The cardinals are senior members of the clergy in the Roman Catholic Church who serve as close advisors to the pope and play a crucial role in the governance of the Church. They are collectively known as the College of Cardinals. Their main duties include advising the pope, managing important dioceses or offices within the Roman Curia, and most notably, electing a new pope when the papacy becomes vacant
. Cardinals are typically bishops, although the pope can grant exceptions for priests. They hold their title for life and are appointed by the pope. The College of Cardinals is divided into three orders based on their roles and precedence:
- Cardinal bishops: Hold titular bishoprics of dioceses near Rome or lead Eastern Catholic patriarchates.
- Cardinal priests: Usually bishops of important dioceses worldwide.
- Cardinal deacons: Often serve in the Roman Curia or diplomatic service and may be priests granted a dispensation from episcopal consecration
Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to participate in papal conclaves to elect a new pope. The number of cardinal electors is generally limited to 120, though this number has sometimes been exceeded
. The title "cardinal" derives from the Latin word cardo , meaning "hinge," reflecting their pivotal role in Church governance. Historically, cardinals were the chief priests of important churches in Rome and bishops of nearby dioceses. Today, they hold titular churches in Rome but often lead dioceses elsewhere or serve in the Vatican administration
. In summary, cardinals are the pope's principal counselors and collaborators, entrusted with significant responsibilities in the Church's leadership and the election of future popes
