College of Cardinals

John_Paul_II_funeral_long_shot

Body of the Catholic Church responsible for electing the Pope

College of Cardinals
Formation	1150
Type	Ecclesiastical organization
Headquarters	Vatican City
Membership	N/A
Language	N/A
Leader title	Dean of the College of Cardinals
Leader name	Giovanni Battista Re
Website	N/A

The College of Cardinals (Latin: Collegium Cardinalium) is the body of all cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church. Its primary responsibility is to elect a new Pope when the Holy See becomes vacant. The College also advises the Pope on church matters when summoned.

History

The College of Cardinals was formally established in 1150. However, the role of cardinals dates back to the early days of the Church, with the term "cardinal" originally referring to a senior priest of a significant church in Rome.

Structure

The College of Cardinals is divided into three orders:

• Cardinal-bishops
• Cardinal-priests
• Cardinal-deacons

The Dean of the College of Cardinals presides over the College, assisted by the Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals. The Camerlengo administers the property and revenues of the Holy See during a papal interregnum.

Functions

The primary function of the College of Cardinals is to elect the Pope. This is done in a conclave, a secret meeting held in the Sistine Chapel after the death or resignation of a Pope. The cardinals also serve as principal advisors to the Pope and hold various administrative and pastoral roles within the Church.

Membership

As of 2023, the College of Cardinals consists of 223 members, with 124 being eligible to vote in a papal conclave (cardinals under the age of 80). Cardinals are appointed by the Pope and are usually bishops or archbishops of significant dioceses or heads of important departments within the Roman Curia.

Related Pages

• Pope
• Roman Curia
• Conclave
• Dean of the College of Cardinals
• Camerlengo
• Sistine Chapel

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