Cardinaal

Cardinaal is the Dutch term for cardinal, a senior official in the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinals form the College of Cardinals and assist the pope in governing the church, advising him on matters of doctrine, discipline, and administration. The most visible function of cardinals is to elect a new pope in a conclave after the death or resignation of the pope.

Etymology: The word derives from Latin cardinalis, meaning “hinge” or “main,” signaling a pivotal or principal role within the church.

Organization and roles: The College of Cardinals is traditionally divided into three orders: cardinal bishops, cardinal priests, and cardinal deacons. Cardinal bishops are usually senior bishops and historically hold the title to one of the suburbicarian sees around Rome. Cardinal priests and cardinal deacons are typically bishops assigned to major archdioceses or to important Vatican departments; they may hold governance posts within the Curia or lead significant dioceses.

Appointment and tenure: Cardinals are appointed by the pope and generally serve for life. Those who reach the age of 80 before the start of a conclave are not eligible to vote in the election of a new pope, though they may participate in other conclave activities. Cardinals wear distinctive red vestments and a red hat as symbols of their willingness to defend the faith and to shed blood for the church.

Contemporary role: Today many cardinals preside over Vatican dicasteries (departments) or lead important archdioceses worldwide. The pope can consult them on doctrinal, administrative, and pastoral issues, and the College of Cardinals remains a central institution in guiding the Catholic Church.