Cardinal (Catholic Church)
The Latin word cardinalis means pivot or hinge. In late antiquity, church leaders used this term to describe priests who became attached to a specific church where they had not originally been ordained. By the early 6th century, Rome designated its seven regional deacons as cardinals. This usage marked them as principal figures within the city's ecclesiastical structure. The meaning shifted from mere attachment to signify eminence and superiority. Pope Zacharias applied the title to Parisian priests in a letter sent in 747. He sought to distinguish these urban clergy from their rural counterparts. The designation spread rapidly across episcopal cities throughout the 9th century. For centuries, only Roman cardinals held exclusive rights to the name until Pope Pius V reserved it for them in 1567. Early cardinals participated directly in administering the Church of Rome and leading papal liturgies.
Pope Nicholas II issued a bull in 1059 granting cardinals the right to elect the Bishop of Rome. Initially, this power belonged exclusively to cardinal bishops. The Third Lateran Council restored voting rights to the entire body of cardinals in 1179. Modern rules limit participation to those under age 80 when a vacancy occurs. Pope Paul VI established this age restriction in November 1970 through a motu proprio document. The rule took effect on the 1st of January 1971, removing 25 cardinals from eligibility. Cardinal electors number no more than 120, though total college size remains unlimited. Pope Francis created 21 new cardinals in December 2024, bringing the total to over 130 participants in the subsequent conclave. Only cardinals who have not reached their 80th birthday may cast votes during a conclave. The College of Cardinals governs day-to-day operations while the Holy See remains vacant between popes.
Cardinal bishops form the senior order within the College of Cardinals. Until 1150, seven such bishops presided over suburbicarian sees surrounding Rome including Ostia and Albano. Velletri merged with Ostia until Pope Pius X separated them again in 1914. Six cardinal bishops remain today as titular leaders of these ancient dioceses. Cardinal priests constitute the largest group among all three orders. They typically serve as bishops of major dioceses worldwide or hold positions within the Roman Curia. Every cardinal priest receives a titular church in Rome even if they lead another diocese elsewhere. Cardinal deacons represent the lowest-ranking order but often manage administrative duties for the Church. These officials derive from early papal household deacons who supervised social services across Rome's districts. In 1939, about half of all cardinals were Italian members of the Curia. Today roughly one third maintain that national origin. Cardinal deacons gain the right to opt for promotion to cardinal priest after serving ten years in their current rank.
Cardinal Richelieu served as chief minister of France during the early 17th century. His authority grew so extensive that he effectively ruled the kingdom for many years. Jules Mazarin succeeded him as another powerful cardinal statesman. Guillaume Dubois and André-Hercule de Fleury completed the list of four great French rulers holding the purple hat. Henry VIII appointed Cardinal Wolsey as his chief minister in England. A succession crisis in Portugal led to Henry of Portugal being crowned king despite holding cardinal status. John II Casimir Vasa resigned his cardinalate in 1647 before becoming King of Poland in 1648. Monarchs from Austria, Spain, and France developed traditions allowing them to nominate crown-cardinals. The Patriarch of Lisbon holds a unique right granted by Pope Clement XII in 1737 to automatically become a cardinal upon appointment. These historical examples demonstrate how some churchmen wielded significant temporal power alongside spiritual duties.
Scarlet garments symbolize a cardinal's willingness to die for the faith. This blood-like red appears on cassocks, mozzettas, and birettas worn during choir dress. The cardinal's biretta lacks the pompom or tassel found on other prelates' hats. Until the 1460s, cardinals typically wore violet or blue capes unless acting on papal business. Pope Innocent IV granted permission to wear red hats in 1244. The wide-brimmed galero hat was bestowed at consistory until its discontinuation in 1969. Each new cardinal receives a gold ring traditionally kissed when greeting him. Before uniformity imposed by John Paul II, these rings featured sapphire gemstones engraved with the pope's coat of arms. Modern rings display images chosen by the pontiff such as crucifixion scenes under Benedict XVI. Cardinals possess privilege of forum exemption from ordinary ecclesiastical tribunals. Only the pope can judge them regarding spiritual matters or canonical infringements.
Bernardo degli Uberti died on the 4th of December 1133 and was canonized three years later. Guarino Foscari da Palestrina passed away in February 1158 before being declared a saint in 1159. Bonaventura da Bagnoregio served as Doctor of the Church until his death in July 1274. He received sainthood recognition on the 14th of April 1482. John Fisher became Bishop of Rochester and refused Henry VIII's supremacy over the English church. Executed in June 1535, he was canonized on the 19th of May 1935. Carlo Borromeo led Counter-Reformation efforts until dying in November 1584. His canonization occurred on the 1st of November 1610. Clemens August Graf von Galen denounced Nazi persecution before his death in March 1946. He was beatified on the 9th of October 2005. Stefan Wyszyński stood against both Nazism and Communism until passing in May 1981. The Catholic Church beatified him on the 12th of September 2021.
Common questions
What does the Latin word cardinalis mean in relation to Catholic Church officials?
The Latin word cardinalis means pivot or hinge. In late antiquity, church leaders used this term to describe priests who became attached to a specific church where they had not originally been ordained.
When did Pope Paul VI establish the age limit for cardinals voting in conclaves?
Pope Paul VI established this age restriction in November 1970 through a motu proprio document. The rule took effect on the 1st of January 1971, removing 25 cardinals from eligibility.
Who were the four great French rulers holding the purple hat during early modern history?
Cardinal Richelieu served as chief minister of France during the early 17th century and effectively ruled the kingdom for many years. Jules Mazarin succeeded him as another powerful cardinal statesman while Guillaume Dubois and André-Hercule de Fleury completed the list of four great French rulers holding the purple hat.
Why do cardinals wear scarlet garments according to Catholic tradition?
Scarlet garments symbolize a cardinal's willingness to die for the faith. This blood-like red appears on cassocks, mozzettas, and birettas worn during choir dress.
On what date was John Fisher canonized after his execution by Henry VIII?
John Fisher became Bishop of Rochester and refused Henry VIII's supremacy over the English church before being executed in June 1535. He was canonized on the 19th of May 1935.