College of Cardinals

College of Cardinals
Collegium Cardinalium
	Coat of arms of the Holy See
Formation	1150
Type	Ecclesiastical organization
Headquarters	Vatican City
Dean of the College of Cardinals	Giovanni Battista Re
Camerlengo	Kevin Farrell
Parent organization	Roman Catholic Church

John_Paul_II_funeral_long_shot

The College of Cardinals (Latin: Collegium Cardinalium) is the body of all cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church. Its primary responsibility is to elect a new Pope when the Holy See becomes vacant. The College also advises the Pope on church matters when summoned.

History[edit | edit source]

The College of Cardinals was formally established in 1150. However, the role of cardinals dates back to the early days of the Church, with the term "cardinal" originally referring to a senior priest of a significant church in Rome.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The College of Cardinals is divided into three orders:

The Dean of the College of Cardinals presides over the College, assisted by the Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals. The Camerlengo administers the property and revenues of the Holy See during a papal interregnum.

Functions[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the College of Cardinals is to elect the Pope. This is done in a conclave, a secret meeting held in the Sistine Chapel after the death or resignation of a Pope. The cardinals also serve as principal advisors to the Pope and hold various administrative and pastoral roles within the Church.

Membership[edit | edit source]

As of 2023, the College of Cardinals consists of 223 members, with 124 being eligible to vote in a papal conclave (cardinals under the age of 80). Cardinals are appointed by the Pope and are usually bishops or archbishops of significant dioceses or heads of important departments within the Roman Curia.