Cardinals are the pope’s close advisers in the governance of the Church and are chosen exclusively by him. Aside from their regular duties as archbishops or bishops in charge of dioceses or leaders of the Roman Curia, Cardinals provide advice and counsel to the pope, serve as caretakers of the Church after a pope dies, and above all, gather together in a conclave to choose the next Bishop of Rome.
OSV4Me CATHOLIC ALMANAC EXCERPT: ALL ABOUT CARDINALS
by Matthew Bunson, D. Min.
Cardinals are the pope’s close advisers in the governance of the Church and are chosen exclusively by him. Aside from their regular duties as archbishops or bishops in charge of dioceses or leaders of the Roman Curia (the central government of the Church), Cardinals provide advice and counsel to the pope, serve as caretakers of the Church after a pope dies, and above all, gather together in a conclave to choose the next Bishop of Rome. The name probably comes from the Latin word cardo, or “hinge” – for they are vital hinges around whom the workings of the Church turn.
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What is a Consistory?
Are there different types of Cardinals?
How are they different from bishops?
How many can vote for the Pope?
Do Cardinals retire?
Why do they wear red?
What do they receive when they are installed?
Information about Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI and Conclave 