Cardinal (Catholic Church)

Cardinals are created by the pope and typically hold the title for life. Cardinals are bishops and archbishops leading dioceses and archdioceses around the world as well as working for the Holy See either within Vatican City or internationally as a nuncio.

On 24 February 2024, there were 234 serving cardinals.

According to the Catholic church, the order of the importance  of the Catholic Church goes from the Pope, then the Bishops and Archbishops and then those holding the position of a Cardinal. Cardinals are the counsellors of the Pope. In 1245, Pope Innocent IV granted the red hat to the cardinals as a sign of their readiness to shed their blood in the cause of the church which showed their dedication to the church.
The collective name for cardinals is College of Cardinals.  They meet in a Papal conclave to elect a new Pope."Cardinal," Catholic Encyclopedia (2009); retrieved 2011-11-23.

When there is no pope, the cardinals direct the day-to-day affairs of the Church.

 Appointment 
Cardinals are chosen by the Pope from men who are already bishops or archbishops. The Pope officially announces new cardinals during a meeting called a consistory.

The Pope can choose cardinals as he sees fit, but usually asks for advice from other cardinals. If a man is not yet a bishop or archbishop when chosen, he should become one, but this is not always required.

 Ranks of Cardinals 
There are three ranks of cardinals:

 Cardinal bishops.
 Cardinal priests.
 Cardinal deacons.

 Clothing 

 Coats of arms 

 Related pages 
 Bishop
 Archbishop

References

 Other websites 


 Catholic Hierarchy,  Cardinal-Bishops, Cardinal-Priests,  Cardinal-Deacons
  Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church 


Category:Bishops by type