The cardinals play a crucial role within the Catholic Churchmainly when a pontiff dies and another must be chosen.
Pope Francis, currently in a delicate state of health, has had during his papacy special acceptance to appoint cardinals of remote places in the world, fulfilling the vision of “universality” of the Church.
They are the ones who have in their hand The fate of the next hierarchy of the Catholic Church Every time a pontiff resigns or dies.
What is a cardinal?
According to the site Catholic.net, The cardinals are named by the Pope for whichand “they advise him, help him and collaborate with him in various ways.”
However, the main task of a cardinal It is “strictly” to choose the pontiff and form his school.
To be a cardinal must first The bishop’s order is received, after deacon and presbyter.
The Canon Law Code establishes that “to be promoted to cardinals, the Roman Pontiff freely chooses among those men who have received at least the presbyterate and that they highlight significantly for their doctrine, customs, piety and prudence in the management of affairs; But those who are not yet bishops should receive episcopal consecration. ”
In 1970 the necessary age limit was established to be a cardinal: Be less than 80 years old.
What is the Cardenalicio College?
According to ACI Press, The Cardinal College “brings together all the cardinals created by the Pope and whose main mission is to provide the choice of a new pontiff In case of a conclave “.
When the cardinals are summoned, They must all attend together to address important issues of the Church.
In short, stable canon law Two groups of cardinals: voters and non -voters.
The voters are the ones who have less than 80 years, So they can participate in choosing the new Pope.
These too They assume the Government of the Church in case of resignation or death of the Pontiff.
And non -elector cardinals are “those who have turned 80 and do not participate in a possible conclave “, says ACI PRESS.
How many cardinals do the Cardinal College form?
According to the site Digital religion and the Spanish newspaper The world, The school is currently formed by 252 cardinals.
Of them, 138 are electors and 114 are not voters.
Of the 138 voters, 110 were named by Pope Francis.
Who coordinates the Cardenalicio College?
According to the site Infovaticana, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, born in Borno, Brescia, Italy, He is the dean of the Cardenalicio College.
According to The New York Times, He is responsible for summoning the conclave, or choice of the new Pope, when the pontiff dies.
The Cardinal Dean should not be confused with Camarlengo, Cardinal who presides over the apostolic chamber, certifies the death of a Pope and protects the treasure of the Church.
Currently, Camarlengo It is the Irish cardinal Kevin Farrel, and who must reside in the Vatican.