Some cardinals wear black because they belong to Eastern Catholic Churches, which have their own traditional attire distinct from the Latin Church cardinals. While most cardinals from the Latin Church wear the famous red (scarlet) vestments symbolizing their willingness to die for their faith, Eastern Catholic cardinals typically keep their traditional black attire even after being elevated to the College of Cardinals. This reflects the diversity within the Catholic Church, as it consists of 24 autonomous Churches, including 23 "sui iuris" Eastern Churches that maintain their own liturgical customs and dress while being in full communion with Rome. Thus, cardinals dressed in black are usually from these Eastern Catholic Churches and wear their customary vestments rather than the Latin Rite red ones.
Additionally, Latin Church cardinals can wear black ordinary dress cassocks with scarlet piping and sashes, but the striking all-black attire worn by some cardinals is characteristic of Eastern Catholic traditions.
