Cardinal (Catholic Church)
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A cardinal is a senior member of the clergy of the Catholic Church. As titular members of the clergy of the Diocese of Rome, they serve as advisors to the pope, who is the bishop of Rome and the visib
Cardinal Richelieu, chief minister of France in the early 17th century
Cardinal Innitzer, Archbishop of Vienna and Cardinal-Priest of San Crisogono, pictured in the early 1930s
Choir dress of a cardinal
Cardinal-priest Thomas Wolsey
College of Cardinals
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The College of Cardinals, also called the Sacred College of Cardinals, is the body of all cardinals of the Catholic Church. As of 16 June 2026, there are 241 cardinals, of whom 117 are eligible to vot
Cardinal (Catholic Church)
…worldwide Catholic Church. Cardinals are chosen and formally created by the pope, and typically hold the title for life. Collectively, they constitute the College of Cardinals. The most solemn responsibility of the cardinals is to elect a new pope in a conclave when the Holy See is vacant. With a few historical exceptions…
Cardinals in red vestments during the funeral mass for Pope Francis in 2025.
Saint Peter's Basilica facade, Rome, Italy