Faith 101: What’s special about being a cardinal?
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A Vatican assembly called a consistory on Saturday, December 7, formally makes Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David the 10th cardinal from the Philippines.
What’s special about being a cardinal?
A cardinal is a high-ranking clergyman in the Roman Catholic Church, appointed by the Pope.
Cardinals play a crucial role in the governance of the Church, particularly in advising the Pope and electing the Pope’s successor during a conclave.
Only cardinals under the age of 80, however, can participate in a papal election. Cardinal electors, as they are called, are also candidates for pope.
In terms of outward appearance, cardinals are distinguished by wearing a red skullcap and a red sash, symbolizing their willingness to shed blood for the Catholic faith.
To illustrate the significance of being appointed cardinal, there are only 232 cardinals in the nearly 1.4-billion-strong Catholic Church as of Friday, December 6. Of the 232 cardinals, only 120 are cardinal electors.
Next to the papacy, then, the title of cardinal is the highest honor within the Church and those who hold this position are often bishops or archbishops of significant dioceses around the world.
They were traditionally called “princes of the Church,” although this description fell out of use under Pope Francis, who has pushed for a church of greater simplicity.
A cardinal’s responsibilities
The role of a cardinal encompasses various responsibilities, with a strong emphasis on pastoral care and community engagement. This commitment to pastoral life means that cardinals are not only involved in administrative tasks but also actively participate in the spiritual and social well-being of their communities.
Cardinals are also responsible for overseeing the work of various congregations and councils within the Vatican, which address different aspects of Church life, such as doctrine, liturgy, and social justice. They often represent the Church in ecumenical dialogues and interfaith discussions, promoting unity and understanding among different religious traditions.
The 7th cardinal from the Philippines, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, is currently pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization at the Vatican.
In addition to their administrative and pastoral roles, cardinals are often seen as leaders within the Church, guiding their dioceses and the broader Catholic community in matters of faith and morality. They are expected to uphold the teachings of the Church and provide guidance to the faithful, especially during times of crisis or moral uncertainty.
In the Philippines, the late Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin and the late Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal are remembered to have played as moral guide in times of crisis, particularly during the Marcos dictatorship.
The influence of a cardinal extends beyond his diocese to the country and to the global Catholic community. – Paterno R. Esmaquel II/Rappler.com
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