A cardinal is a senior ecclesiastical official, usually an ordained bishop, and a member of the Sacra Rerum Conciliatio (Holy Council of Cardinals), which is the body that advises the Pope and helps in the election of a new Pope. The term cardinal is derived from the Latin word cardinalis, which means "principal" or "chief". In Hebrew, the term can be translated as קַרְדִינָל (kardinal). In other languages, it is known as cardenal in Spanish, cardinal in French, Kardinal in German, and cardinale in Italian. Cardinals hold significant influence within the Catholic Church, and their roles include serving as advisors to the Pope, leading dioceses, and participating in the governance of the Church. The position of cardinal is one of the highest honors in the Catholic hierarchy, and cardinals are often appointed from among the most respected and experienced bishops and archbishops.
Topics referred to by the same term
Cardinal or The Cardinal most commonly refers toCardinal, a senior official of the Catholic Church Member of the College of Cardinals Cardinal number in mathematics Large cardinal Cardinal direction, one of the primary directions: north, south, east, and west