In the structure of the church Catholic hierarchy, position is determined by the level of dignity. Cardinals are both a dignity, and a post. The second degree of spiritual dignity after the Pope. Cardinals perform two main actions: they elect the viceroy of the deceased Pope on a special board and help him manage the most important affairs of the Catholic Church. In turn, cardinals are appointed by the Pope. He also decides on their resignation: a petition is submitted to her after the cardinal reaches 75 years of age.
College
- The entire number of cardinals is a college headed by the dean. She performs three main roles.
- The College of Cardinals gathers in a consistory (council) convened and headed by the Pope to meet and discuss important issues.
- The board leads the leadership of the Catholic Church in the interim after the death or resignation of the previous Pope and until the election of a new one.
- The college is going to the conclave to select the new Pope.
The number of cardinals
The college in 1962 totaled 87 cardinals. This number was increased by Pope Paul VI in 1973 to 120 people. But today, such a norm is not strictly observed and in the 2012 consistory, led by Pope Benedict XVI, the total number of cardinals reached 213 people. This is due to the formation of new titular churches and deacons, which require cardinals of different ranks.
Ranks
The college is divided into three ranks: cardinal bishops, cardinal presbyters (priests), cardinal deacons.
The clergyman of the episcopal rank in the collegium is the highest rank, in which they elevate the cardinal presbyter, occasionally the cardinal deacon. Their fixed number in the college since 1917 is six people. And until now, it remains unchanged. The Cardinal Bishop, the oldest of the rank, is traditionally chosen by the Dean of the College.
The College of Cardinal Priests is headed by the Cardinal First Presbyter. Due to the increase in the number of Roman titular churches, restrictions on the number of cardinal presbyters in the college ceased to apply under Paul VI. Prior to this, their number has been established since 1917 in 50 people. If there is a vacancy, those cardinal priests who are in the Roman ministry, taking into account their seniority, may be elevated to the dignity of a cardinal bishop. This action takes place only after the decision of the Pope.
The first seven deacons of Rome were put up. Peter (as recorded in Liber Pontificalis). Rome in the III century was divided into seven church districts, and a deacon was appointed at the head of each. Gradually, the number of Roman deacons increased, and now there are 62 of them. Accordingly, each of them is assigned a cardinal deacon. After ten years of service in their rank, they have the right to join the rank of cardinals-presbyters. But, with rare exceptions, they are not allowed to become directly cardinal bishops.
The Cardinal First Deacon (Protodeacon) heads the collegium of cardinals deacons. In addition to his main responsibilities, he leads the processions at the Papal services. There is a tradition: the cardinal, the first deacon, crowns the Pope, laying a tiara on his head. If the clergyman made two such coronations, he can go directly to the rank of cardinal bishop - this is the exclusive right. Since 1978, this tradition has not been applied, but has not been repealed. It is also the duty and privilege of the Cardinal First Deacon to announce the newly elected Pope and to present him with pallium, the ancient hallmark of episcopal dignity.
Robe
The main elements of the outer garb of the cardinals are the mantle and hat of purple, symbolizing their dignity. Since 1245 and for a long time, only the red headgear was an external attribute of the Cardinal dignity. The first was a gallero - a wide-brimmed hat, similar to those worn by pilgrims, from whose fields 15 tassels hung. Canceled in 1969.
Biretta - A quadrangular beret crowned with three ridges. Raising him to the rank, the Pope lays on the head of the cardinal. This is a solemn and official headdress, and zuketto is considered everyday - a small cap covering the tonus, identical to Jewish yarmulki, with only a small tail on the crown.
Other attributes
Objects symbolizing cardinal dignity also include a red umbrella, ring, coat of arms and throne, which is located in the church, to which the cardinal is assigned.
The ring from the 19th century became the most important external sign of the dignity of the cardinals. This is a symbol of devotion to the Catholic Church. A gold ring adorns sapphire, ruby or emerald. The scene of the crucifixion is depicted on the outside, and the coat of arms of the Pope is engraved inside, which the cardinal made an appointment with.
Grey Cardinal
This is not a rank or position. Such a nickname was received in the XVII century by father Joseph (Francois Lecler) - a French politician, secret secret executor and head of the office of Cardinal Richelieu. In the world, the nobleman Lecler advanced on a military and political career. After 1599, having taken tonsure at the monastery of the Capuchin Order, he became a fanatical adherent of the Catholic faith. He became famous as a church reformer, preacher, an influential spiritual person at the court, combining political and religious activities.
Cardinal and reverend, the courtiers nicknamed the monk because of his special unofficial powers and authority. And the nickname of the gray cardinal indicated not only the color of the Capuchin robe, but also his implicit shadow acts, and the fact that the monk was considered the shadow of Cardinal Richelieu. A few months before his death, he received cardinal dignity.
Gray cardinals are called in politics and business people who have exclusive influence and authority, but do not occupy top positions.