Michael Brooks
A group of Catholic cardinals is called a College of Cardinals, or a Sacred College of Cardinals in Latin. Cardinals are senior members of the Catholic Church clergy, chosen and appointed by the pope, and serving as his closest advisors. They are also responsible for electing a new pope when the position becomes vacant. The College of Cardinals first emerged in the Early Middle Ages and has since historically been limited in size by popes, ecumenical councils ratified by the pope, and the college itself.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | College of Cardinals |
| Alternative names | Sacred College of Cardinals, Vatican of Cardinals, Flock, Radiance, Conclave |
| Number of Cardinals | 249 as of 21 July 2025 |
| Number of Cardinals eligible to vote for a new Pope | 130 as of 21 July 2025 |
| Pope Francis' Cardinals | 88 from 56 countries |
| Pope's advisors | Yes |
| Pope's chief advisors | Yes |
| Pope's closest advisors | Yes |
| Pope's electors | Yes |
| Highest-ranking Catholic clergy below the Pope | Yes |
| Cardinals' tenure | For life |
| Cardinals' eligibility to participate in a papal conclave | Up to the age of 80 |
| Number of Cardinals from 1099 to 1986 | 2,900 |
| Number of Cardinals from 1099 to 1986, including pseudocardinals | 2,900+ |
| Maximum number of Cardinals in the College from the 13th to 15th centuries | 30 |
Explore related products
$18.95 $18.95
What You'll Learn
The College of Cardinals
The word "cardinal" is derived from the Latin "cardō", meaning "hinge". The office of cardinal evolved during the first millennium from the clergy of Rome. The first time the term "cardinal" appears in the Liber Pontificalis is in the biography of Pope Stephen III, when it was decided that the Roman pontiff should be elected from among the deacons and cardinal priests.
Cardinals are senior members of the clergy of the Catholic Church and serve as advisors to the pope, who is the bishop of Rome and the visible head of the Church. They are chosen and appointed by the pope and typically hold the title for life. The most solemn responsibility of the College of Cardinals is to elect a new pope in a conclave, almost always from among themselves. During the period between a pope's death or resignation and the election of a successor, the College of Cardinals is responsible for the day-to-day governance of the Holy See.
Catholic Education in Spain: A Historical Overview
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cardinals are the Pope's closest advisors
A group of Catholic cardinals is often referred to as the College of Cardinals, and they serve as the closest advisors to the Pope, the head of the Catholic Church. The College of Cardinals is an exclusive and influential body, playing a critical role in the governance and direction of the Catholic Church worldwide.
Cardinals are high-ranking clergy, usually bishops, who are appointed by the Pope for their distinguished service and expertise. They are his trusted counselors, providing advice and support on a wide range of matters. The College is often likened to a senate or cabinet, with cardinals functioning like ministers or secretaries of state, each with their own specific duties and areas of responsibility.
As the Pope's closest advisors, cardinals assist him in making important decisions for the Church. They offer counsel on doctrinal, disciplinary, and administrative matters, helping to shape the direction of the Church and its response to contemporary issues. Cardinals are often called upon to provide their expertise and guidance on matters of faith and morals, interpreting and upholding Catholic doctrine and tradition.
The College of Cardinals also has the important task of electing a new Pope. When the position becomes vacant, either through the death or resignation of the incumbent Pope, the cardinals come together in a secret conclave to elect a successor. This process involves prayer, discussion, and voting until a candidate receives the required two-thirds majority. The uniqueness of this election process underscores the significance of the cardinals' role and their closeness to the Pope.
Being the Pope's closest advisors, cardinals play a vital role in the Catholic Church's hierarchy and governance. They are his eyes and ears across the globe, ensuring that the Church's teachings and mission are upheld and advanced in diverse contexts. Through their advisory role, they influence the direction of the Church, helping to shape its policies and responses to the challenges and needs of modern society.
Holy Spirit and Catholics: Catching the Ghost
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cardinals are chosen by the Pope
Cardinals are senior members of the clergy of the Catholic Church. They are chosen and formally created by the Pope, and they typically hold the title for life. The Pope may appoint cardinals to recognise the work of a particular cleric or theologian, or because he believes there are too many cardinals in one country compared to another. The Pope has final authority in appointing cardinals, and there are no strict criteria for elevation to the College of Cardinals.
The Pope appoints cardinals from a variety of backgrounds, in addition to their existing roles within the Church. Most cardinals are bishops and archbishops leading dioceses and archdioceses around the world, often the most prominent diocese or archdiocese in their country. Cardinals are chosen to advise the Pope, who is the bishop of Rome and the visible head of the worldwide Catholic Church.
The Pope may also appoint titular bishops, who are current or former officials within the Roman Curia, generally the heads of dicasteries and other bodies linked to the Curia. A very small number of priests are recognised by the Pope for their service to the Church. Since 1917, a potential cardinal has had to be at least a priest, but laymen have been cardinals in the past.
The Pope's interest in building a global church is reflected in appointments in Tonga, Myanmar, and Santiago de Cabo Verde. Cardinals are drawn from a variety of backgrounds, and the Pope's appointments send important signals about his values and hopes for the Church.
The Pope's role in appointing cardinals has been used to increase the size of the College of Cardinals, as a method of raising funds for construction or war, cultivating European alliances, and diluting the strength of the College as a spiritual and political counterweight to papal supremacy.
Catholic Hospitals: Prioritizing Babies Over Mothers?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cardinals are senior members of the clergy
A group of Catholic cardinals is often referred to as a "college" or "sacred college" of cardinals. This term underscores the collective responsibility and unity of the cardinals in their role as advisors to the Pope and their significance within the Catholic Church's hierarchy.
Now, delving into the topic, Cardinals indeed hold a prominent position in the Catholic Church, and they are among its most senior members. They are considered princes of the Church and form the highest rank below the Pope himself. Cardinals are distinguished by their red garments, a tradition that dates back to the 13th century, symbolizing their willingness to shed their blood for the defense of the Christian faith.
These clerics are usually appointed by the Pope and are often bishops or archbishops of major dioceses. They serve as his closest advisors and play a crucial role in the governance of the Church. Their primary responsibility is to elect a new Pope when the position becomes vacant, either through the death or resignation of the incumbent Pope. During this period, known as the sede vacante, the cardinals who are below the age of 80 are known as cardinal electors, and they gather in a papal conclave to elect the new Pope through a secret ballot.
Beyond their role in the papal election, cardinals have other significant duties. They serve as heads of Vatican departments, known as dicasteries, which oversee various aspects of the Church's administration, doctrine, and outreach. These departments include the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, and many others. Cardinals are also involved in the day-to-day governance of the Church, offering counsel and guidance to the Pope on important matters.
Furthermore, cardinals are often dispatched by the Pope as his representatives to various countries and regions. They may be sent to celebrate significant liturgical events, to show solidarity with a particular community, or to address specific pastoral concerns. In these missions, cardinals act as ambassadors of the Holy See, fostering relationships with local churches and civil authorities.
Catholics and Luke Timothy Johnson: A Worthy Read?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cardinals wear scarlet
A group of Catholic cardinals is called a "college." Now, on to the topic of cardinals and their distinctive scarlet attire:
Cardinals, the close advisors and electors of the Pope, are easily recognizable by their vibrant scarlet garments. This distinctive color is a symbol of their loyalty, devotion, and willingness to sacrifice their lives for the Christian faith. The tradition of cardinals wearing scarlet dates back to the Middle Ages and is steeped in symbolism and history.
The exact shade of scarlet, a bright red with a slightly orange hue, is specified by the Vatican and is known as "cardinal red" or "scarlet cardinalis." This specific color is believed to represent the blood of Christ and the martyrs of the Catholic Church. By donning this color, cardinals symbolically embrace the sacrifice and suffering endured by those who came before them in the name of the faith.
The scarlet attire of cardinals consists of several distinct garments. The most recognizable is the cassock, a long, flowing robe that serves as the basic garment for clergy. Scarlet zucchettos, small, skullcap-like hats, are also worn, as well as mozzettas, short, shoulder-cape-like vestments. For more formal occasions, cardinals don the ferraiolo, a full-length cape made of scarlet wool or silk.
The scarlet color is not just limited to their clothing. Even the accessories and accouterments of cardinals follow this color scheme. For example, their belts, known as cinctures, are typically made of scarlet cord or cloth. Additionally, their episcopal rings, which symbolize their bond with the Church, often feature a scarlet stone, usually a ruby or a red garnet.
Wearing scarlet is an honor and a responsibility for cardinals, as it sets them apart from other members of the clergy and signifies their proximity to the Pope. This visual distinction is intentional, as it reflects the important role cardinals play in the Catholic Church. Their scarlet vestments serve as a constant reminder of their dedication to the faith and their commitment to carrying out their duties with integrity and devotion.
In conclusion, the scarlet attire of Catholic cardinals is much more than just a fashion choice. It is a visual symbol of their dedication, loyalty, and willingness to sacrifice for their faith. Through their vibrant garments, cardinals embody the traditions and values of the Catholic Church, serving as a visible reminder of the Church's history and the enduring legacy of its martyrs and saints.
What Are The Only Two Catholic Vocations?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A group of Catholic cardinals is called the College of Cardinals, or Collegium Cardinalium in Latin.
The College of Cardinals is the body of all cardinals of the Catholic Church. Cardinals are senior members of the clergy of the Catholic Church and serve as advisors to the pope.
Cardinals are the pope's closest advisors. They also have the solemn responsibility of electing a new pope when the Holy See is vacant.
