External cardinal
Videos
In the category of the members of the College of Cardinals in the central Middle Ages, an external cardinal was a cardinal of the Holy Roman Church who was not a member of the Roman Curia, being eithe
Pope Victor III (1087), before his election to the papacy, was simultaneously the cardinal and abbot of Monte Cassino.
At least eight abbots of Monte Cassino between 1057 and 1259/62 were simultaneously cardinals of the Holy Roman Church.
Bernardo degli Uberti was simultaneously a cardinal and abbot of Vallombrosa. In 1106, he became bishop of Parma and resigned his cardinalate with this appointment.
Pope Alexander III (pictured highest at right) was the first pope who allowed the cardinals to occupy the external episcopal sees.
College of Cardinals
Videos
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
External cardinal
…In the category of the members of the College of Cardinals in the central Middle Ages (11th to 13th century), an external cardinal (as opposed to a "curial cardinal") was a cardinal of the Holy Roman Church who…
Cardinals in red vestments during the funeral mass for Pope Francis in 2025.
Saint Peter's Basilica facade, Rome, Italy