Difference between revisions of "Cardinal (Catholicism)" - New World Encyclopedia
Scott Dunbar (talk | contribs) m |
Scott Dunbar (talk | contribs) m (Removed links) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Images OK}}{{Contracted}} | {{Images OK}}{{Contracted}} | ||
| − | A '''Cardinal''' is | + | A '''Cardinal''' is a senior ranking senior ecclesiastical official in the [[Roman Catholic Church]]. The term is derived from the Latin ''cardo'', or hinge, referring to the fulcrum-like or pivotal leadership role that these officials play. Cardinals were usually bishops before being appointed to their title and office by the [[Pope]]. Once appointed, they became members of the College of Cardinals, which itself elects future Popes. Additional duties involve attending the meetings of the Sacred College, making themselves available for counsel at the Pope's request, leading many of the Church's dioceses and archdioceses, and running the Roman [[Curia]]. |
The College of Cardinals is responsible for electing new Popes. Upon a Pope's death, the College runs the church during the vacancy in the papacy. Only College Cardinals younger than 80 years old are responsible for electing the next Pope. At the time of [[John Paul II]]'s death, 117 of the those 183 cardinals were young enough to be electors. | The College of Cardinals is responsible for electing new Popes. Upon a Pope's death, the College runs the church during the vacancy in the papacy. Only College Cardinals younger than 80 years old are responsible for electing the next Pope. At the time of [[John Paul II]]'s death, 117 of the those 183 cardinals were young enough to be electors. | ||
| Line 11: | Line 11: | ||
In the Early Modern period, [[England|English]] and [[France|French]] monarchs had cardinals as their chief ministers—[[Thomas Cardinal Wolsey|Wolsey]] in England, [[Cardinal Richelieu|Richelieu]], [[Cardinal Mazarin|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. | In the Early Modern period, [[England|English]] and [[France|French]] monarchs had cardinals as their chief ministers—[[Thomas Cardinal Wolsey|Wolsey]] in England, [[Cardinal Richelieu|Richelieu]], [[Cardinal Mazarin|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. | ||
| − | + | [[Pope Sixtus V]] (1521-1590) limited the number of cardinals to 70. In 1975, [[Pope Paul VI]] established an age limit for electors and raised that 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. | |
==Administrative Structure== | ==Administrative Structure== | ||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
[[Image:Vetements cardinal Gamarelli.jpg|thumb|right|210px|Vestments of a cardinal]] | [[Image:Vetements cardinal Gamarelli.jpg|thumb|right|210px|Vestments of a cardinal]] | ||
| − | According to Canon 350 of the 1983 | + | According to Canon 350 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, the College of Cardinals is divided into three orders: |
| − | * the Episcopal Order ( | + | * the Episcopal Order (Cardinal Bishops), |
| − | * the Presbyteral Order ( | + | * the Presbyteral Order (Cardinal Priests), which is the largest group, |
| − | * the Diaconal Order ( | + | * the Diaconal Order (Cardinal Deacons). |
| − | The Pope assigns most cardinal bishops the title of a | + | 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 approve this selection. |
| − | The Pope may also decide to appoint [[patriarch]]s of the | + | The Pope may also decide to appoint [[patriarch]]s 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 [[bishop]]s. | 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 [[bishop]]s. | ||
| − | Originally any Catholic male could be appointed to the College. For example, in the 16th century | + | 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 [[priest|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 [[Society of Jesus|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== | ==Secret cardinal== | ||
| − | In addition to the proclaimed cardinals, a pope may name cardinals by the Latin term '' | + | 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 candidates. Popes do this to protect the secret cardinals and their congregations from suffering 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. | 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, | + | 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== | ==Other privileges== | ||
*If the cardinal does not hold the position of [[bishop]], he is not allowed to have a bishop's ceremonial 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 '' | + | *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 | + | *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." |
==Regalia== | ==Regalia== | ||
Revision as of 01:10, 19 November 2006
A Cardinal is a senior ranking senior ecclesiastical official in the Roman Catholic Church. The term is derived from the Latin cardo, or hinge, referring to the fulcrum-like or pivotal leadership role that these officials play. Cardinals were usually bishops before being appointed to their title and office by the Pope. Once appointed, they became members of the College of Cardinals, which itself elects future Popes. Additional duties involve attending the meetings of the Sacred College, making themselves available for counsel at the Pope's request, leading many of the Church's dioceses and archdioceses, and running the Roman Curia.
The College of Cardinals is responsible for electing new Popes. Upon a Pope's death, the College runs the church during the vacancy in the papacy. Only College Cardinals younger than 80 years old are responsible for electing the next Pope. At the time of John Paul II's death, 117 of the those 183 cardinals were young enough to be electors.
History
The Cardinals did not always elect the Pope. Originally the clergy and the people of the Roman Catholic 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 regained influence, and the right of election was delegated to the cardinals in 1159. The cardinal bishops meet to 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 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, these proposals have not been adopted, primarily 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.
Pope Sixtus V (1521-1590) limited the number of cardinals to 70. In 1975, Pope Paul VI established an age limit for electors and raised that 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.
Administrative Structure
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 approve 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 candidates. Popes do this to protect the secret cardinals and their congregations from suffering 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."
Regalia
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, which is the shade of blood, symbolizes a cardinal's willingness to die for his faith if necessary like Christ and the saints. It is also similar to the color of the Cardinal birds for which they are named. 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.
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 held the role of 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.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
(Please add three scholarly references on your topic.)
External links
- The Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church information on the Cardinals of the Catholic Church
Credits
New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:
The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:
Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.
