Rachel Evans
Cardinals are senior members of the clergy of the Catholic Church, serving as advisors to the Pope. They are chosen and formally created by the Pope, and they hold the title for life. The path to becoming a Cardinal is not easy, and one must be an unmarried Catholic male or widower willing to take a vow of celibacy to enter the priesthood. Typically, one will study at a seminary or pre-theology program before serving as a deacon and getting ordained. Then, one must be appointed a bishop before being eligible to be appointed a cardinal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Marital status | Unmarried or widower |
| Vow | Celibacy |
| Education | Seminary or pre-theology program |
| Ordination | Deacon, priest, bishop |
| Appointment | By the Pope |
| Age | Under 80 |
| Number | Limited to 120 electors |
| Title | Cardinal deacon, cardinal priest, cardinal bishop |
| Dress | Scarlet zucchetto, scarlet biretta, ring |
| Exception | Elderly priests can be appointed cardinals without first being appointed bishops |
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What You'll Learn
Be an unmarried Catholic male or widower willing to take a vow of celibacy
To become a cardinal in the Catholic Church, one must be an unmarried Catholic male or a widower willing to take a vow of celibacy. This is a prerequisite for entering the priesthood. While it is possible for a widower to become a cardinal, a lifelong vow of celibacy is required.
The path to becoming a cardinal is not an easy one, and it requires a full-time spiritual commitment. It is important to discern a calling to religious life and seek guidance from a priest or other leaders in the Catholic community. One must be actively involved in their parish and the broader Catholic community to get a sense of the responsibilities and demonstrate dedication to God and the Catholic faith.
Typically, one would study at a seminary or pre-theology program, serve as a deacon, and then get ordained. After being ordained, one would need to be appointed as a bishop before being eligible for appointment as a cardinal. It is worth noting that, in rare instances, elderly priests who have gained great esteem and admirably served the Church may be appointed as cardinals without first becoming bishops.
Ultimately, the decision to appoint a cardinal lies with the Pope, who selects candidates based on their spiritual significance and dedication to God's will. The Pope has the freedom to choose cardinals, but they must be "outstanding in doctrine, morals, piety, and prudence in action." Once selected, a cardinal takes an oath and receives the ceremonial garb, including a scarlet zucchetto (skullcap), a scarlet biretta (four-cornered silk hat), and a ring.
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Be a deacon, priest, or bishop
Most cardinals are bishops and archbishops, so if you want to become a cardinal, you'll need to start by becoming a deacon, then a priest, and finally a bishop.
Deacon
To become a deacon, you must be a baptised, practicing member of the Roman Catholic Church. You must be at least 35 years old and, if you were baptised as an adult, you must have belonged to the Church for at least five years prior to being ordained. Deacons must also meet certain education requirements, including having earned a high school diploma or GED. They should be in good health and be able to dedicate time to a five-year formation programme. Deacons are expected to pray the Liturgy of the Hours each day and hold secular jobs to provide for themselves and their families.
Priest
To become a priest, you must be a baptised, confirmed, and practicing Roman Catholic man with a desire to serve God and His people. You should have a high school diploma, good physical and mental health, and the capacity to pursue a sustaining, life-long commitment. Priestly formation begins in the family and continues through seminary years of study and pastoral experience. All Catholic priests are ordained to serve, preach, teach, minister the sacraments and shepherd the people of God.
Bishop
Bishops are selected from the priesthood, so you must first become a priest before becoming a bishop. The process of becoming a bishop involves several steps, including recognition of potential, nomination, and consecration. Once consecrated, bishops are expected to continue their formation and adapt to the evolving needs of their diocese. They are called to be authentic teachers of the faith, guiding their communities in spiritual and pastoral matters, and serving and overseeing local priests and parishes.
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Be active in your parish and Catholic community
Being active in your parish and the broader Catholic community is crucial on your path to becoming a cardinal. This demonstrates your commitment to serving others and allows you to build meaningful connections with the people you will be serving. It also showcases your dedication and involvement to those in charge of appointing cardinals.
Being an active member of your parish means more than just attending mass regularly. It involves participating in parish activities, volunteering your time and talents, and engaging with your fellow parishioners. Consider joining parish councils, committees, or other groups that align with your interests and passions. This will enable you to contribute to decision-making processes and actively shape the life of your parish.
Beyond your parish, seek out opportunities to engage with the broader Catholic community. Attend diocesan events, participate in Catholic social groups, and get involved with Catholic charities or outreach programs. By doing so, you will not only expand your network but also gain a deeper understanding of the diverse needs and concerns of Catholics in your area and beyond.
Being active in both your parish and the wider Catholic community will provide you with a strong foundation for a future role as a cardinal. It will give you valuable insights into the challenges and joys of those you serve and help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact as a spiritual leader.
Remember, the path to becoming a cardinal is not just about meeting the basic requirements; it's about living a life of service and demonstrating your dedication to God and the Catholic Church. By actively engaging in your community, you embody the values of compassion, solidarity, and unity that are at the heart of the Catholic faith.
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Be appointed by the Pope
To become a cardinal in the Catholic Church, one must be appointed by the Pope. The Pope has the freedom to choose any Catholic male as a cardinal, as long as they are "outstanding in doctrine, morals, piety, and prudence in action" (Can. 351). While it is rare, there have been instances of the Pope appointing a deacon, layman, or non-priest as a cardinal, often for political reasons.
The Pope's selection of a new cardinal is based on certain criteria and his recognition of their spiritually significant efforts and dedication to God's will. The Pope's approval is required for a candidate to become a bishop, which is typically a prerequisite for becoming a cardinal. However, in rare cases, the Pope may appoint an elderly priest who has gained great esteem directly as a cardinal, exempting them from becoming a bishop.
Once the Pope selects an individual to become a cardinal, an official ceremony is held where the new cardinal takes a vow to express their dedication to their position. During this ceremony, they receive a scarlet zucchetto (skullcap), a scarlet biretta (four-cornered silk hat), and a ring as symbols of their new title.
Cardinals hold a significant role in the Catholic Church, collectively participating in papal consistories with the Pope and having the responsibility to decide who will become the next Pope. While they possess no power of governance, they are often appointed to oversee departments within the Roman Curia, the central administration of the Catholic Church.
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Take the Cardinals' Oath
Cardinals are senior officials of the Catholic Church, appointed by the Pope, and participate in papal consistories, where matters of importance to the Church are considered and new cardinals may be created. Cardinals are usually bishops and archbishops leading dioceses and archdioceses, while some are priests recognised for their service to the Church.
Taking the Cardinal's Oath
The Cardinal's Oath, steeped in medieval symbolism, is a pact of obedience and unity that precedes the conclave and has been jealously guarded for centuries. The oath is taken in the Sala Ducale, with the Pope's body lying on a catafalque surrounded by 12 candles, symbolising the apostles. The cardinals swear to faithfully respect the rules of the conclave and to observe secrecy about everything related to the election of the Pope.
The oath includes the following Latin phrases:
- "Coram hac cadavere……” ("Before this corpse…")
- "Nec factiones, nec ambitioni serviamus" ("We shall serve neither factions nor ambitions")
- "Promitto me electurum quem secundum Deum iudicavero eligi debere" ("I promise to elect whom I judge God wills to be chosen")
- "No secular power shall influence our election"
After taking the oath, each cardinal adds: "So help me God and these Holy Gospels that I touch with my hand".
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