Difference between revisions of "Cardinal (Catholicism)" - New World Encyclopedia
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| − | A '''cardinal''' is the second ranking senior ecclesiastical official in the Roman Catholic Church. During a consistory the leader of the church, the Pope or Holy Father, appoints a cardinal as a member of the College of Cardinals. Cardinals attend the meetings of the Sacred College and make themselves available for counsel at the Pope's request. Their other common duties include leading many of the church's dioceses and archdioceses | + | A '''cardinal''' is the second ranking senior ecclesiastical official in the Roman Catholic Church. During a consistory the leader of the church, the Pope or Holy Father, appoints a cardinal as a member of the College of Cardinals. Cardinals attend the meetings of the Sacred College and make themselves available for counsel at the Pope's request. Their other common duties include leading many of the church's dioceses and archdioceses and running the Roman Curia. |
The cardinal's formal or choir garments include the rochet, which is always white, and these other scarlet vestments: the cassock, mozzetta, zucchetto, and biretta. For common or everyday clothing, a cardinal wears a black simar with a scarlet sash and trim. The bright color, the same shade as blood, symbolizes a cardinal's willingness to die for his faith if necessary, like Christ and the saints. He also wears a ring, a symbol of eternity and commitment, which the Catholic faithful traditionally kiss when they greet him to portray their respect for his position of authority in the faith. | The cardinal's formal or choir garments include the rochet, which is always white, and these other scarlet vestments: the cassock, mozzetta, zucchetto, and biretta. For common or everyday clothing, a cardinal wears a black simar with a scarlet sash and trim. The bright color, the same shade as blood, symbolizes a cardinal's willingness to die for his faith if necessary, like Christ and the saints. He also wears a ring, a symbol of eternity and commitment, which the Catholic faithful traditionally kiss when they greet him to portray their respect for his position of authority in the faith. | ||
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Upon a pope's death, the college runs the church during the vacancy in the papacy. Those College Cardinals younger than 80 years old are also responsible for [[electing the next Pope]]. | Upon a pope's death, the college runs the church during the vacancy in the papacy. Those College Cardinals younger than 80 years old are also responsible for [[electing the next Pope]]. | ||
| − | [[Pope Sixtus V]] limited the number of cardinals to 70, which includes (six [[Cardinal Bishops]], 50 [[Cardinal Priest]]s, 14 [[Cardinal Deacon]]s). In 1975, [[Pope Paul VI]] established an age limit for electors and raised the limit to a total of 120 cardinal electors. However, the Popes have frequently ignored this numerical limitation to make the College of Cardinals a more representative body. [[Pope John Paul II]] elevated an additional 31 cardinals in a [[consistory]] on October 21, 2003, bringing the number of cardinals at that time to 194. At the time of John Paul II's death, 117 of the | + | [[Pope Sixtus V]] limited the number of cardinals to 70, which includes (six [[Cardinal Bishops]], 50 [[Cardinal Priest]]s, 14 [[Cardinal Deacon]]s). In 1975, [[Pope Paul VI]] established an age limit for electors and raised the limit to a total of 120 cardinal electors. However, the Popes have frequently ignored this numerical limitation to make the College of Cardinals a more representative body. [[Pope John Paul II]] elevated an additional 31 cardinals in a [[consistory]] on October 21, 2003, bringing the number of cardinals at that time to 194. At the time of John Paul II's death, 117 of the those 183 cardinals were young enough to be electors. |
The term "cardinal" is derived from the [[Latin]] ''cardo'', or [[hinge]], referring to the [[fulcrum]]-like or pivotal leadership role that these officials play. The red color of the cardinals' [[vestment]]s, is similar to the color of the [[cardinal]] birds for which they are named. | The term "cardinal" is derived from the [[Latin]] ''cardo'', or [[hinge]], referring to the [[fulcrum]]-like or pivotal leadership role that these officials play. The red color of the cardinals' [[vestment]]s, is similar to the color of the [[cardinal]] birds for which they are named. | ||
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In addition to the proclaimed cardinals, a pope may name cardinals by the Latin term ''[[in pectore]]'', which literally means ''in the breast.'' Only the Pope knows these people's new position; the Holy Father does not even reveal this news to the people themselves. Popes do this to protect the secret cardinals and their congregations from suffering reprisals or attacks from angry enemies if their identities were known. | In addition to the proclaimed cardinals, a pope may name cardinals by the Latin term ''[[in pectore]]'', which literally means ''in the breast.'' Only the Pope knows these people's new position; the Holy Father does not even reveal this news to the people themselves. Popes do this to protect the secret cardinals and their congregations from suffering reprisals or attacks from angry enemies if their identities were known. | ||
| − | Popes have the perogative to announce these "in pectore" cardinals if their situation changes and such an announcement would no longer prove detrimental to their safety. However, if the pope dies before he reveals the "in pectore" cardinal's name, that person's cardinalate expires, and no one is allowed to know who | + | Popes have the perogative to announce these "in pectore" cardinals if their situation changes and such an announcement would no longer prove detrimental to their safety. However, if the pope dies before he reveals the "in pectore" cardinal's name, that person's cardinalate expires, and no one is allowed to know who had held that position. |
For example, [[Pope John Paul II]], named an ''in pectore'' cardinal during his tenure. That person's name remained secret up to the Pope's death on April 2, 2005. Many people wondered whether the Holy Father's will would reveal the name of the ''in pectore'' cardinal. However, that person's name was not mentioned. | For example, [[Pope John Paul II]], named an ''in pectore'' cardinal during his tenure. That person's name remained secret up to the Pope's death on April 2, 2005. Many people wondered whether the Holy Father's will would reveal the name of the ''in pectore'' cardinal. However, that person's name was not mentioned. | ||
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==History== | ==History== | ||
| − | The cardinals did not always elect the Pope. Originally the clergy and the people of the [[Roman]] Church made that selection. During [[medieval]] times, the Roman nobility acquired excessive influence, and the Holy Roman Emperors interfered with the selection of a pope. However, eventually the papacy gained importance as an international figure, the church regained influence, and the right of election was delegated to the cardinals in 1159. The cardinal bishops meet and discuss the candidates for Pope. They decide upon several candidates who could qualify. Two-thirds of those gathered have to agree on the selection. The Second Council of Lyons decided in 1274 that those cardinals making this decision should meet in a secluded place within ten days of the Pope's passing so they | + | The cardinals did not always elect the Pope. Originally the clergy and the people of the [[Roman]] Church made that selection. During [[medieval]] times, the Roman nobility acquired excessive influence, and the Holy Roman Emperors interfered with the selection of a pope. However, eventually the papacy gained importance as an international figure, the church regained influence, and the right of election was delegated to the cardinals in 1159. The cardinal bishops meet and discuss the candidates for Pope. They decide upon several candidates who could qualify. Two-thirds of those gathered have to agree on the selection. The Second Council of Lyons decided in 1274 that those cardinals making this decision should meet in a secluded place within ten days of the Pope's passing so they would not be disturbed by others while making this important decision. |
The Pope could substitute another body of electors for the College of Cardinals at any time. For example, there were proposals in the past to have the [[Synod of Bishops]] perform this function. However, the proposals have not been adopted, most significantly because only the Pope can announce the meeting of the Synod of Bishops. | The Pope could substitute another body of electors for the College of Cardinals at any time. For example, there were proposals in the past to have the [[Synod of Bishops]] perform this function. However, the proposals have not been adopted, most significantly because only the Pope can announce the meeting of the Synod of Bishops. | ||
Revision as of 06:13, 6 November 2006
A cardinal is the second ranking senior ecclesiastical official in the Roman Catholic Church. During a consistory the leader of the church, the Pope or Holy Father, appoints a cardinal as a member of the College of Cardinals. Cardinals attend the meetings of the Sacred College and make themselves available for counsel at the Pope's request. Their other common duties include leading many of the church's dioceses and archdioceses and running the Roman Curia.
The cardinal's formal or choir garments include the rochet, which is always white, and these other scarlet vestments: the cassock, mozzetta, zucchetto, and biretta. For common or everyday clothing, a cardinal wears a black simar with a scarlet sash and trim. The bright color, the same shade as blood, symbolizes a cardinal's willingness to die for his faith if necessary, like Christ and the saints. He also wears a ring, a symbol of eternity and commitment, which the Catholic faithful traditionally kiss when they greet him to portray their respect for his position of authority in the faith.
Upon a pope's death, the college runs the church during the vacancy in the papacy. Those College Cardinals younger than 80 years old are also responsible for electing the next Pope.
Pope Sixtus V limited the number of cardinals to 70, which includes (six Cardinal Bishops, 50 Cardinal Priests, 14 Cardinal Deacons). In 1975, Pope Paul VI established an age limit for electors and raised the limit to a total of 120 cardinal electors. However, the Popes have frequently ignored this numerical limitation to make the College of Cardinals a more representative body. Pope John Paul II elevated an additional 31 cardinals in a consistory on October 21, 2003, bringing the number of cardinals at that time to 194. At the time of John Paul II's death, 117 of the those 183 cardinals were young enough to be electors.
The term "cardinal" is derived from the Latin cardo, or hinge, referring to the fulcrum-like or pivotal leadership role that these officials play. The red color of the cardinals' vestments, is similar to the color of the cardinal birds for which they are named.
Orders
According to Canon 350 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, the College of Cardinals is divided into three orders:
- the Episcopal Order (Cardinal Bishops),
- the Presbyteral Order (Cardinal Priests), which is the largest group,
- the Diaconal Order (Cardinal Deacons).
The Pope assigns most cardinal bishops the title of a suburbicarian church. That group elects a Dean of the College of Cardinals to be the head of the college, the first among equals. However, the Pope must approved this selection.
The Pope may also decide to appoint patriarchs of the Eastern Rite churches to the college. When appointed, they become cardinal bishops without holding a suburbicarian see. However, they cannot elect the dean or be elected dean.
The Pope assigns each Cardinal priest and cardinal deacon a church or deaconry in Rome. All cardinal priests and almost all cardinal deacons are actually bishops.
Originally any Catholic male could be appointed to the College. For example, in the 16th century Reginald Pole was a cardinal for 18 years before he was ordained a priest. Today, Canon 351 specifically requires that as a minimum, the cardinal must hold the order of priesthood. Those who are not already bishops must receive episcopal consecration. Normally, only bishops can be established as cardinals. A recent exception is Avery Cardinal Dulles, a member of the S.J., who was a priest when he attained this position in 2001. He successfully requested Pope John Paul II to be excused from the requirement of episcopal consecration due to his advanced age. Although he is not a bishop, he is still entitled to wear the episcopal vestments and regalia of miter, crozier, pectoral cross, ring, and he is allowed to have a coat of arms because he is a cardinal. However, his category is restricted to the lower two orders of cardinals.
Secret cardinal
In addition to the proclaimed cardinals, a pope may name cardinals by the Latin term in pectore, which literally means in the breast. Only the Pope knows these people's new position; the Holy Father does not even reveal this news to the people themselves. Popes do this to protect the secret cardinals and their congregations from suffering reprisals or attacks from angry enemies if their identities were known.
Popes have the perogative to announce these "in pectore" cardinals if their situation changes and such an announcement would no longer prove detrimental to their safety. However, if the pope dies before he reveals the "in pectore" cardinal's name, that person's cardinalate expires, and no one is allowed to know who had held that position.
For example, Pope John Paul II, named an in pectore cardinal during his tenure. That person's name remained secret up to the Pope's death on April 2, 2005. Many people wondered whether the Holy Father's will would reveal the name of the in pectore cardinal. However, that person's name was not mentioned.
Other privileges
- If the cardinal does not hold the position of bishop, he is not allowed to have a bishop's ceremonial privileges.
- Cardinals place a scarlet galero with thirty tassels, the ancient symbol of their office, above their coat of arms.
- Since 1630, cardinals have been addressed as "Eminence." When they are elevated, the word "Cardinal" becomes part of the prelate's name, traditionally preceding his surname. For example, the full style of Cardinal McCarrick is "His Eminence, Theodore Cardinal McCarrick, Archbishop of Washington."
History
The cardinals did not always elect the Pope. Originally the clergy and the people of the Roman Church made that selection. During medieval times, the Roman nobility acquired excessive influence, and the Holy Roman Emperors interfered with the selection of a pope. However, eventually the papacy gained importance as an international figure, the church regained influence, and the right of election was delegated to the cardinals in 1159. The cardinal bishops meet and discuss the candidates for Pope. They decide upon several candidates who could qualify. Two-thirds of those gathered have to agree on the selection. The Second Council of Lyons decided in 1274 that those cardinals making this decision should meet in a secluded place within ten days of the Pope's passing so they would not be disturbed by others while making this important decision.
The Pope could substitute another body of electors for the College of Cardinals at any time. For example, there were proposals in the past to have the Synod of Bishops perform this function. However, the proposals have not been adopted, most significantly because only the Pope can announce the meeting of the Synod of Bishops.
In the Early Modern period, English and French monarchs had cardinals as their chief ministers—Wolsey in England, Richelieu, Mazarin and Fleury in France. These men were made cardinals, not because of their religious duties, but because doing so allowed their kings to pay them from church revenues. Rome accepted the loss of some revenue in order to protect the rest of its property and revenue.
See also
- List of cardinals
- List of deceased cardinals
Cardinals in popular culture
- Charlton Heston and Tim Curry, as well as other actors, have played Cardinal Richelieu in various releases of The Three Musketeers.
- Orson Welles played Thomas Cardinal Wolsey in the 1966 screen presentation of A Man for All Seasons.
- George Carlin played the fictional Cardinal Ignatius Glick in Kevin Smith's Dogma.
External links
- The Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church information on the Cardinals of the Catholic Church
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