below the cardinal. Who is below the cardinal

Cardinal Priest

Cardinal priests are the most numerous of the three cardinal orders in the Roman Catholic Church. They formally rank above the cardinal deacons and below the cardinal bishops, although this is not a matter of exercise of power, but a matter of prestige.

Historical origin

AT modern times the name "cardinal-priest" is interpreted as meaning a cardinal who has the dignity of a priest. Initially, however, the understanding of the word was different: from the priests of the diocese of Rome, some key priests of important churches were recognized as cardinal priests, important priests chosen by the pope to advise him in his duties as bishop of Rome. It was through the combination of these important Roman priests with the bishops of neighboring suburbicarian dioceses (cardinal-bishops) and the deacons who directed the work of the Church in the various sectors of Rome (cardinal-deacons) that the College of Cardinals was formed.

In early times, papal elections were not the privilege of cardinals, and over the course of the centuries, the pope was usually a Roman priest and never a bishop from elsewhere. In order to preserve the apostolic succession, the rite of consecration of the pope as a bishop had to be performed by one who was already a bishop, and this was entrusted to the Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia, whose position, for a long time, was combined with that of the dean of the College of Cardinals. At the time when the cardinal office was expanded outside the Roman pastoral clergy and the Roman Curia, to this day, each cardinal priest has the nominal name of the parish church in Rome, although Pope Paul VI abolished all the administrative titles they had in relation to their nominal churches. . Some of the nominal churches have been the seat of a cardinal since the 2nd century.

Modern extension

While the number of cardinals was small from the time of the Roman Empire until the Renaissance, and often the number of recognized churches was less than those eligible for the office of cardinal-priest. In the 16th century, the Collegium expanded noticeably. In 1587, Pope Sixtus V sought to stem this growth by setting a maximum limit of 70 cardinals for the members of the College, including 50 cardinal priests, 6 cardinal bishops, and 14 cardinal deacons. This limit was respected until 1958, and the list of nominal churches changed only on rare occasions, generally due to the building falling into disrepair. When Pope John XXIII lifted the limit, he began adding new churches to the list, which Popes Paul VI and John Paul II also continued to add. Today there are 150 nominal churches in Rome.

The cardinal who is the most senior cardinal-priest is called the cardinal protopresbyter. He had some ceremonial duties for the Conclave, which stopped because the cardinal protopresbyter is now generally one who is over 80 years old, and those cardinals are not eligible to participate in the Conclave. Since the death of Cardinal Franz König, Cardinal Stefan Kim Soo-hwan of South Korea, as the oldest by appointment, he became a cardinal in 1969.

Those who are called cardinal-priests today are generally archbishops of important dioceses throughout the world, although some work in the Roman Curia. Cardinal deacons are allowed to become cardinal priests of their choice after ten years. One has always had to be an ordained priest in order to be a cardinal priest, but since 1918 this requirement has extended to the entire College. Since 1962, by decision of Pope John XXIII, only bishops can participate in the College. Priests who are appointed by cardinals must be ordained bishops.


Catholic Encyclopedia. EdwART. 2011 .

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Above all archbishops and bishops.

Notable offices of papal government are held by cardinals. These are:

  • Cardinal Camerlengo (Camerlengo) - in charge of finances and from the death of one to the choice of another pope, he holds the position of guardian of the papal throne;
  • cardinal vicar - deputy pope in the diocese of Rome;
  • cardinal vice-chancellor - chairman of the Roman chancellery;
  • Cardinal Secretary of State (Minister of Foreign Affairs)
  • Cardinal Secretary of State for internal affairs,
  • cardinal grand penitentiary,
  • Cardinal Librarian of the Vatican Library
  • and others (see Papal Curia).

The main external differences of the cardinal dignity:

  • red mantle,
  • red Riding Hood,
  • red (during mourning and fasting - purple) hat with two silk cords and tassels at the ends, which is obtained in Rome from the hands of the pope (hence: "to receive a red hat" in the sense of "to be appointed by a cardinal"),
  • ring,
  • an umbrella covered with red or purple cloth,
  • throne (in their own church),
  • coat of arms.

A complete list of cardinals can be found in the annual "La ierarchia catolica e la famiglia pontificia" published in Rome, replacing the former "Notizie per l" anno ... ", called (by typography)" Cracas ".

Used materials

  • Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron
  • List of cardinals
  • Full orthodox bogosovsky encyclopedic Dictionary. T. II. St. Petersburg: Publishing house of P.P. Soykin.

To the question When did the cardinals appear, who was the first cardinal? given by the author Friend #1 the best answer is The cardinal (lat. Cardinalis, from cardo - the main circumstance, the core) is the highest clergyman of the Roman Catholic Church, belonging to any of the three degrees of priesthood and occupying a hierarchical place directly behind the pope, above all archbishops and bishops.
Under Theodosius the Great, the word Cardinalis occurs as the name of an official. From the 5th to the 11th centuries, this was the name of the clergy who occupied permanent places at certain parish churches, who were firmly connected with their places, "like a door connected to a hook on which it hangs."
Theodosius I the Great - (346-395) - Roman emperor, who reigned in 379-395, the last ruler of the unified Roman Empire before its final division into the Western Roman Empire and the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium). Under him, Christianity finally became the state religion, and the state pagan cult was abolished.
Theodosius and Ambrose of Milan
Intolerance towards the Gentiles was expressed in the destruction of many pagan temples (including the destruction of the Serapeum temple, which may have contained part of the books of the Library of Alexandria); were canceled Olympic Games(394 AD), a female mathematician Hypatia was killed by a crowd of fanatical Christians, non-believers were severely persecuted; in the reign of Theodosius, even the most harmless magical actions like fortune-telling were prohibited, and the punishment for their commission was one - the death penalty
French Cardinal Richelieu - ruler of France from 1624 to 1642
In the 2nd century, cardinal presbyters introduced by Pope Hyginus (139-147) appear, and Rome is divided into 55 districts.
The cardinal priests and cardinal deacons of Rome were present in the council of the Pope and took a significant part in his election, when the choice depended on the clergy and the people, but were still considered (as can be seen from the conciliar acts) below any bishop. there were no cardinal-bishops then, but the bishops of the Roman metropolis, of course, took part both in the council and in the choice of the pope.
Portrait of Giulio Raimondo Mazarino, cardinal and politician of France, by Bouchard.
Of great importance in the history of the development of the rank of cardinal is the decree of Pope Nicholas II issued at the Lateran Council (1059), by virtue of which the College of Cardinals received the right to choose the pope. This decree remains in force at the present time: the pope can only be chosen from among the cardinals.
Meeting of cardinals 1900.
The cardinals, together with the pope, form a sacred college, of which the oldest cardinal-bishop is considered the dean. Forming a papal consistory, they help him in the most important matters (causae majores). For the management of a certain range of affairs, commissions called "congregations" are formed from the cardinals.
The main external differences of the cardinal dignity:
red mantle,
red Riding Hood,
red (during mourning and fasting - purple) hat with two silk cords and tassels at the ends, which is obtained in Rome from the hands of the pope (hence: "to receive a red hat" in the sense of "to be appointed by a cardinal"),
ring,
an umbrella covered with red or purple cloth,
throne (in their own church),
coat of arms.

Answer from Magura[guru]
Under Theodosius the Great, the word Cardinalis occurs as the name of an official. From the 5th to the 11th centuries, this was the name of the clergy who occupied permanent places at certain parish churches (not in villages), who were firmly connected with their places, "like a door connected to a hook on which it hangs." While in other places the title "cardinal" fell and disappeared, in Rome it gained more and more importance. Rome was divided into districts, each of which had its own main church (Titulus), and its rector was called incardinatus, cardinalis. These churches were parochial in the proper sense; only in them the sacraments were taught. The cardinal priests and cardinal deacons of Rome were present in the council of the pope and took a significant part in his election, when the choice depended on the clergy and the people, but were still considered (as can be seen from the conciliar acts) below any bishop. There were no cardinal bishops then, but the bishops of the Roman metropolis, of course, took part both in the council and in the choice of the pope.
Only in the 11th century did these suburban bishops: Ostia (now Ostia and Velletri), Porto, Santa Rufina (later connected to Porto), Albano, Sabina, Tusculum and Palestrina (Preneste) were named cardinals. Of great importance in the history of the development of the cardinal dignity is the decree of Pope Nicholas II (1059) issued at the Lateran Council, by virtue of which the College of Cardinals received the right to choose the pope. This decree remains in force to this day. Under Innocent IV, the cardinals received a place above all bishops and a red cap, symbolically indicating that they would act to the last drop of blood, without fear of death, “pro exaltatione sanctae fidei, pace et quiete populi christiani, augmento et statu Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae” (“ for the sake of the exaltation of the holy faith, peace and tranquility among the Christian peoples, the growth and strength of the Holy Roman Church").
Boniface VIII gave them a princely mantle;
Paul II - the right to have a white horse with a red veil and golden reins;
Pius V in 1567 forbade those who did not receive this dignity from the pope to be called cardinals;
And under Urban VIII (1630), the cardinals received the title of lat. "Eminentissimus", "Eminentia", (Your Eminence) which was worn by spiritual electors.

1) In the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, a clergyman, next after the Pope, is a step above the bishop. Cardinals are the closest advisers and assistants to the pope in the management of the church. Appointed by the Pope. In accordance with the 1983 Code of Canon Law, the functions of the cardinals include the election of the pope at the conclave and assistance in the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church, which they provide collegiately, acting in an advisory capacity to the pope during consistories, and individually heading departments and other permanent services of the Roman Catholic Church. curia and the city-state of the Vatican. Collectively, the cardinals constitute the Sacred College (although the term Sacred was abolished in 1983, it is still called that), headed by a dean.

Title history.

Under Theodosius the Great, the word Cardinalis occurs as the name of an official. From the 5th to the 11th centuries, this was the name of the clergy who occupied permanent places at certain parish churches (not in villages), who were firmly connected with their places, “like a door connected to a hook on which it hangs.” While in other places the title "cardinal" was disappearing, in Rome it was gaining more and more importance. Rome was divided into districts, each of which had its own main church (Titulus), and its rector was called incardinatus, cardinalis. These churches were parochial in the proper sense; only in them the sacraments were taught. The cardinal priests and cardinal deacons of Rome were present in the council of the pope and took a significant part in his election, when the choice depended on the clergy and the people, but were still considered (as can be seen from the conciliar acts) below any bishop. There were no cardinal bishops then, but the bishops of the Roman metropolis, of course, took part both in the council and in the choice of the pope.

Only in the 11th century did these suburban bishops: Ostia (now Ostia and Velletri), Porto, Santa Rufina (later connected to Porto), Albano, Sabina, Tusculum and Palestrina (Preneste) were called cardinals. Of great importance in the history of the development of the cardinal rank is the decree of Pope Nicholas II (1059) issued at the Lateran Council, by virtue of which the College of Cardinals received the right to choose the pope. This decree remains in force to this day. Under Innocent IV, the cardinals received a place above all bishops and a red cap, symbolically denoting that they will act to the last drop of blood, not fearing death, "for the sake of the exaltation of the holy faith, peace and tranquility among the Christian peoples, the growth and strength of the Holy Roman Church."

The number of cardinals.

The number of cardinals varied (in the 12th century, usually no more than 30, even descending to 7) until 1586, when, by decree of Pope Sixtus V, it was determined at 70 (according to the number of 70 elders of Israel and 70 disciples of Christ): of them 6 cardinal bishops, 50 cardinal priests and 14 cardinal deacons. Currently, there are 185 cardinals, although according to the rules established by Paul VI, no more than 120 people have the right to vote in the conclave (at present, 105 cardinals have the right to elect the pope). Cardinal priests and cardinal deacons are titled after the names of the Roman churches and chapels under which they are listed. In their own and subordinate churches, the cardinals have episcopal jurisdiction and, in addition, many other privileges. Cardinals are appointed by the pope, first in a secret, and then in a solemn meeting of the consistory, with the observance of well-known rites. The pope can appoint cardinals, but for some time not announce their names, keep them “in his chest”, and the seniority of such cardinals is counted from the day the pope announced the appointment. The first cardinals appointed in this way were Girolamo Aleander and Reginald Pole.

Information about the cardinals.

Foreigners who received the rank of cardinal on the recommendation of Catholic governments and represented their sovereigns in papal elections were called crown cardinals. The cardinals, together with the pope, form a sacred college, of which the oldest cardinal-bishop is considered the dean. Forming a papal consistory, they help him in important matters. For the management of a certain range of affairs, commissions called "congregations" are formed from the cardinals.

Further, certain offices of papal administration are occupied by cardinals. These are: Cardinal Camerlengo - in charge of finances and from the death of one to the choice of another pope, he holds the position of guardian of the papal throne; cardinal vicar - deputy pope in the diocese of Rome; cardinal vice-chancellor - chairman of the Roman chancellery; Cardinal Secretary of State (Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs), Cardinal Secretary of State for the Interior, Cardinal Grand Penitentiary, Cardinal Librarian of the Vatican Library, etc.

2) A bright shade of red, so named because the cassocks of cardinals were dyed in it. Because of the coloring in this color, the name "cardinal" was given to a genus of birds.

3) A genus of birds from the cardinal family (in Latin Cardinalidae) including three species that live in North America and northern South America.

4) Fish of the carp family (length up to 4 cm). In nature, they inhabit fast-flowing streams near the city of Guangzhou (China). The body is elongated, slender, slightly flattened from the sides in the front. Upper mouth. The back is dark brown with a greenish tint, the sides are brown, the belly is silvery white. According to the peculiarities of coloring, the cardinal is similar to neon. In fry when reaching a length of 4-5 mm. a shiny blue stripe appears on the side, which disappears upon reaching puberty (i.e. with a fish 2-3 cm long). This aquarium fish is very mobile and unpretentious. Sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed, the male is more slender than the female.

In the structure of the Catholic church hierarchy, position is determined by the level of dignity. Cardinals are both a dignity and a position. The second degree of spiritual dignity after the Pope. Cardinals perform two main actions: they elect the vicar of the deceased Pope at a special board and help him manage the most important affairs of the Catholic Church. In turn, the cardinals are appointed by the Pope. He also decides on their resignation: a petition is submitted for it after the cardinal reaches 75 years of age.

College

  1. The entire number of cardinals constitutes the collegium headed by the dean. She performs three main roles.
  2. The College of Cardinals meets in a consistory (council), convened and chaired by the Pope, to convene and discuss important issues.
  3. The College leads the leadership of the Catholic Church in the interim period after the death or resignation of the previous Pope and until the election of a new one.
  4. The college meets in a conclave to choose a new pope.

Number of cardinals

The College in 1962 consisted of 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 at the 2012 consistory, which was headed by the pope, the total number of cardinals reached 213 people. This is due to the formation of new titular churches and deacons, which require cardinals of various ranks.

ranks

The college is divided into three ranks: cardinal bishops, cardinal presbyters (priests), cardinal deacons.

The clergyman of the episcopal rank in the college is the highest rank, to which the cardinal presbyter, and occasionally the cardinal deacon, is elevated. Their fixed number in the board since 1917 is six people. And to this day it remains unchanged. The cardinal-bishop, the oldest of the order, is traditionally chosen by the dean of the college.

The College of Cardinal Priests is headed by the Cardinal Chief Presbyter. Due to the increase in the number of Roman titular churches, restrictions on the number of cardinal presbyters in the college ceased to operate under Paul VI. Prior to this, their number had been established since 1917 at 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 cardinal-bishop. This action is taken only after the decision of the Pope.

The first seven deacons of Rome were appointed by St. Peter (so written in Liber Pontificalis). Rome in the 3rd century was divided into seven ecclesiastical 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, a cardinal deacon is assigned to each. After ten years of service in their rank, they have the right to move into the rank of cardinal presbyters. But they, with rare exceptions, are not allowed to become directly cardinal-bishops.

The cardinal first deacon (protodeacon) heads the board of cardinal deacons. In addition to his main duties, he leads the processions at the Papal services. There is a tradition: the cardinal-first deacon crowns by placing a tiara on his head. If a clergyman has performed two such coronations, then he can go directly to the rank of cardinal-bishop - this is an exclusive right. Since 1978, this tradition has not been applied, but it has not been canceled either. It is also the duty and privilege of the cardinal-first deacon to announce the newly elected pope and present him with the pallium, the ancient hallmark of episcopal dignity.

Robe

The main elements of the outer vestments of the cardinals are a mantle and a cap of purple color, symbolizing their dignity. From 1245 and for a long time, only the red headdress was an external attribute of the cardinal rank. The first was a galero - a wide-brimmed hat, similar to those worn by pilgrims, from the brim of which 15 tassels hung. Canceled in 1969.

Biretta - a quadrangular beret crowned with three crests. He, raising to the dignity, the Pope lays on the head of the cardinal. This is a solemn and official headdress, and a zuketto is considered everyday - a small cap covering the tonsure, identical to Jewish yarmulkes, only with a small ponytail on top.

Other attributes

Items symbolizing cardinal dignity also include a red umbrella, a ring, a coat of arms and a throne, which is located in the church to which the cardinal is assigned.

Since the 19th century, the ring has become the most important external sign of the dignity of cardinals. It is a symbol of devotion to the Catholic Church. The gold ring is decorated with a sapphire, ruby ​​or emerald. The crucifixion scene is depicted on the outside, and the coat of arms of the Pope, who made the appointment to the cardinal, is engraved inside.

Grey Cardinal

This is not a rank or position. Such a nickname was given in the 17th century by Father Joseph (Francois Leclerc) - a French politician, executor of secret assignments and head of the office of Cardinal Richelieu. In the world, the nobleman Leclerc advanced through his military and political career. After 1599, having taken tonsure in a monastery of the Capuchin order, he became a fanatical adherent of the Catholic faith. He became famous as a church reformer, a preacher, an influential spiritual person at court, who combined political and religious activities.

The courtiers nicknamed the monk cardinal and reverend because of his special unofficial powers and power. And the nickname gray cardinal indicated not only the color of the Capuchin attire, but also his implicit shadow deeds, and the fact that the monk was considered the shadow of Cardinal Richelieu. A few months before his death, he received the dignity of cardinal.

In politics and business, gray cardinals are people who have exceptional influence and authority, but do not occupy major positions.