CARDINAL


Meaning of CARDINAL in English

n.

Member of the Sacred College of Cardinals.

Their duties include electing the pope , acting as his principal counselors, and aiding in governing the Roman Catholic church. Cardinals serve as officers of the Roman Curia , bishops of major dioceses, and papal envoys. Since 769 only cardinals have been eligible to become pope, and since 1059 cardinals have elected the pope. The first cardinals were the deacons of the seven regions of Rome. Their successors are today's cardinal deacons. Cardinal bishops are successors of the bishops of the sees just outside Rome and of the patriarchal sees of the Eastern Catholic Church. Cardinal priests are the bishops of important sees around the world and are the most numerous order of cardinals. For 400 years, the number of cardinals was limited to 70, but John XXIII removed the limit and there are now more than 100. A red biretta and ring are symbolic of the office.

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.