What Is a Cardinal in the Catholic Church?

Description

Cardinals are not a separate level of Holy Orders, but trusted senior advisors chosen by the Pope to assist in governing the Church. The word cardinal comes from the Latin cardo, meaning “hinge,” because cardinals serve as key supports of the Church’s leadership. Most cardinals are bishops, though some are priests. They are chosen by the Pope and form the College of Cardinals, whose most important duty is electing the next pope. Cardinals also advise the pope, oversee major dioceses, and lead Vatican offices called dicasteries. Wearing red as a sign of their willingness to shed their blood for the faith, cardinals represent unity, sacrifice, and fidelity to the Church. While not all bishops are cardinals, every cardinal serves at the pleasure of the pope and exists to support the universal mission of the Church. Follow for more clear, faithful explanations of Catholic teaching.