Research By Emmanuel Gandu
WHO IS A CARDINAL?
- “Cardinal” is derived from the Latin term “Cardo” which means “hinge”. Just like the hinges of a door, the Cardinals are the hinges on which all church government turns, with the Pope as the door.
- The word “Cardinal” was first used in Rome at the 6th Century to designate Deacons involved in the governance of the church.
In the year 769, a decree from a Synod of Bishops stated that only a Cardinal could become a Pope.
- Cardinals play a pivotal role in church administration generally, and especially during times of transition between Popes, including the election of a new Pope from among them.
- A Cardinal is the second highest position next only to the Pope in the Catholic Church hierarchy.
- A Cardinal is created (appointed) by the Pope from among the Bishops, Archbishops, or as may be decided by the Pope.
REGALIA (DRESSINGS) OF THE CARDINAL — WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE?
The Cardinal’s formal garments, or regalia, or dressings include:
(1) Rochet, (2) Scarlet Cap, (3) Cassock, (4) Mozetta, (5) Zucchetto, (6) Miter, (7) Cozier, (8) Scull Cap, (9) Biretta, (10) Pectoral Cross,
(11) For everyday use, a Cardinal wears a Black Simar with a Scarlet Sash and Trim.
(12) The bright red colour which is the shade of blood symbolizes a Cardinal’s willingness to die for his faith, if necessary, like Christ or the Saints.
(13) The Ring on his finger is a symbol of eternity and commitment, authority in the faith, and the position of responsibility.
WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF A CARDINAL?
(1) His primary duty is as a Bishop, Archbishop or as the case may be.
(2) Advise the Pope about church matters.
(3) Attends various functions as matter of protocol.
(4) Participate in Canonization processes.
(5) Participate in the election of a new Pope to fill the vacancy arising from death, resignation, and incapacitation of a reigning Pope.
HOW DO YOU ADDRESS A CARDINAL?
- A Cardinal is known as “Prince” of the church.
- A Cardinal is addressed as “Eminence”.
- The title “Cardinal” becomes part of his name, and it precedes the surname.
For example, the full name of Cardinal John Onaiyekan is “His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan”.
WHAT IS “COLLEGE OF CARDINALS”?
The College of Cardinals is the body of all Cardinals of the Catholic Church.
As at 23nd January, 2025 the current membership of the Cardinals is 252 of whom 138 are Cardinal electors, ie they are eligible to vote for a new Pope from among them in a conclave election for a new Pope.
WHO ARE CARDINAL ELECTORS?
- Cardinal electors are those Cardinals who are saddled with the responsibility of electing a new Pope in a Conclave.
- Cardinal electors are not above the age of 80 years.
(3) This age limit for a Cardinal to participate in a Papal conclave to elect a Pope’s successor was set for the first time in 1970 by Pope Paul VI.
(4) All Cardinals are appointed by the Pope for life.
HOW MANY CARDINALS IN THE WORLD?
(1) As at 24/2/2025 there are a total of 252 Cardinals of whom 138 are Cardinal electors.
(2) The number of Cardinals change from time to time depending on death, and new appointments.
(3) At the time of the death of Pope John Paul II, there were 183 Cardinals out of which 117 were Cardinal electors.
HOW MANY CARDINALS DID POPE FRANCIS CREATED?
The act of creating or making or ordination of new Cardinals takes place during a Consistory.
Pope Francis made a record of ten (10) Consistory, ie he created new Cardinals on ten different occasions during his Papacy:
22/2/2014 – 19 new cardinals
14/2/2015 – 20 new Cardinals
19/11/2016 – 17 new Cardinals
28/6/2017 – 5 new Cardinals
28/6/2018 – 14 new Cardinals
5/10/2019 – 13 new Cardinals
28/11/2020 – 13 new Cardinals
27/8/2022 – 20 new Cardinals
30/9/2023 – 21 new Cardinals
7/12/2024 – 22 new Cardinals
NOTE:
(a) For 2022 – the 20 new Cardinals created in 2022 included Peter Ebere Okpaleke from Anambra state Nigeria.
(b) For 2023 – the 21 new Cardinals included Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla, the first Cardinal from South Sudan.
(c) For 2024 – the 21 new Cardinals included Angelo Acerbi @ the age of 99 years from Italy.
Angelo is the oldest man ever to be named a Cardinal.
HOW MANY CARDINALS ARE NIGERIANS?
Nigeria has produced 5 Cardinals. They are:
(1) Dominic Cardinal Ekandem – Born 23/6/1917 from Akwa Ibom. Was appointed in 1976
(2) Francis Cardinal Arinze – Born 1/11/1932 from Onitsha. Was appointed in 1985
(3) Anthony Cardinal Okogie – Born 16/6/1936 from Lagos. Was appointed in 2003.
(4) John Cardinal Onaiyekan – Born 29/1/1944 from Kabba Kogi state. Was appointed in 2012.
(5) Peter Cardinal Opaleke – Born 1/3/1963 from Anambra state. Was appointed in 2022.
NOTE: Only Peter Ebere Okpaleke is qualified as a member of the Cardinal Electors to participate in a Conclave because he is under 80 years of age.
Deo Gracias
Glory to Jesus
Peace 🙏
25/4/2025
