CARDINAL

(Lat car do, ahinge.) An epithet imply ins importance; in which sense it is applied to the principal virtues, the four points of the compa , .; and in theological language originally to parish churches, as distinguished from chapels and oratories; from whence it was transferred to the clergy who ministered in such churches. In later times the epithet was restricted to the seven bishops of Rome, and the sees within its territory, and the clergy of the eight-and-twenty principal churches of that city: from whence the college of cardinals takes its origin. The number of which this college consisted has varied in the course of time. It has for some centuries been limited to seventy; of whom six are bishops, fifty presbyters, and fourteen deacons; and the election of the pope, which is performed by these personages a embled in conclave, is thus concurred in by the three orders of clergy through their representatives. The period at which this election was confined to the cardinals is variously staled. Borne have a erted that such was the case as early as 1058; others not before 1562. It is now understood that the pope must be chosen from among this body. The cardinals are distinguished by a scarlet hat, and a short purple mantle worn over the rochet. Their rank is next to that of the pope, to whom they form a political and ecclesiastical council. For further details on the duties of cardinals, see CONSiSTonir/M and Conclave. [s. 211]