The Twentieth Century Encyclopedia of Catholicism What is a Cardinal?
Type
Book
Authors
Category
Catholic Church
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Publication Year
1964
Publisher
Volume
84
Pages
143
Description
It was not until the sixth century that the title "Cardinal" came into Christian usage. The word comes from the Latin cardo, meaning a hinge or principal point. In its ecclesiastical use, the word signifies the Sacred College of Cardinals, who are principal figures in the administration of the Church. Under the guidance of the popes, the cardinals have defined and promulgated the teachings of the Church since the early period of Christianity.
Like all human institutions, the cardinalate has changed and developed in the course of centuries, and it is the purpose of this volume to provide an insight into the history and significance of the cardinalate.
Beginning with a detailed study of the origins and the early organization of the Church in Rome, the authors describe how the rank of cardinal evolved. Particular attention is given to the traditions established by the first cardinals and their function in the early Church Councils.
As the Church grew, the position and the importance of the cardinals also grew. This development - the foundation of today's Curia - is analyzed by the authors. They show the relationship between the rapid spread of Christianity and the increase in the number and temporal power of the cardinals. But, as the authors point out, this increase in temporal power led unfortunately to corruption on the part of some higher Church officials, especially in the Middle Ages. The questions of nepotism, simony and other failings of individual cardinals of the pre-Reformation era are all discussed clearly and objectively.
Particular emphasis is placed on the cardinalate of our own time. The method of selecting a cardinal, the function of the Curia, and even the various emblems of the office are all treated.
A separate section takes up the power of the cardinals and the effect of their decisions. A general survey of the consistories and dicasteries serves to point out the importance of the Sacred College in its work of both administration and spiritual guidance.
The authors' concluding chapters deal with the solemnity and significance of the College of Cardinals during the vacancy of the papal chair and in the ritual of the papal election.
Peter Canisius van Lierde, a member of the Augustinian Order, is the Titular Bishop of Porfireone, Papal Sacristan, and Vicar General of His Holiness for Vatican City. He has contributed to various magazines and is the author of numerous books, including The Holy See at Work.
Father Giraud was the director of major seminaries in France from 1927 to 1959. In 1959 he went to Italy where he founded the Mission for French Catholics in Milan. He has written for several religious organizations and is responsible for the revision of all religious articles in the Dictionnaire Littre Beaujean.
This is Volume 84 under section VIII: The Organization of the Church.
Translated by A Manson.
Taken from the inside flaps.
Like all human institutions, the cardinalate has changed and developed in the course of centuries, and it is the purpose of this volume to provide an insight into the history and significance of the cardinalate.
Beginning with a detailed study of the origins and the early organization of the Church in Rome, the authors describe how the rank of cardinal evolved. Particular attention is given to the traditions established by the first cardinals and their function in the early Church Councils.
As the Church grew, the position and the importance of the cardinals also grew. This development - the foundation of today's Curia - is analyzed by the authors. They show the relationship between the rapid spread of Christianity and the increase in the number and temporal power of the cardinals. But, as the authors point out, this increase in temporal power led unfortunately to corruption on the part of some higher Church officials, especially in the Middle Ages. The questions of nepotism, simony and other failings of individual cardinals of the pre-Reformation era are all discussed clearly and objectively.
Particular emphasis is placed on the cardinalate of our own time. The method of selecting a cardinal, the function of the Curia, and even the various emblems of the office are all treated.
A separate section takes up the power of the cardinals and the effect of their decisions. A general survey of the consistories and dicasteries serves to point out the importance of the Sacred College in its work of both administration and spiritual guidance.
The authors' concluding chapters deal with the solemnity and significance of the College of Cardinals during the vacancy of the papal chair and in the ritual of the papal election.
Peter Canisius van Lierde, a member of the Augustinian Order, is the Titular Bishop of Porfireone, Papal Sacristan, and Vicar General of His Holiness for Vatican City. He has contributed to various magazines and is the author of numerous books, including The Holy See at Work.
Father Giraud was the director of major seminaries in France from 1927 to 1959. In 1959 he went to Italy where he founded the Mission for French Catholics in Milan. He has written for several religious organizations and is responsible for the revision of all religious articles in the Dictionnaire Littre Beaujean.
This is Volume 84 under section VIII: The Organization of the Church.
Translated by A Manson.
Taken from the inside flaps.
Number of Copies
1
