College of Cardinals

The Latest

Cardinal's biretta.

So what is a consistory, anyway?

Nov 18, 2016

By Andrea Gagliarducci

In a simple rite this Saturday, 17 prelates will receive a red biretta from Pope Francis and thus join the... Read more

A cardinal's biretta rests on an empty chair.

Long-serving Cardinal Baum lived a generous response to God

Jul 25, 2015

Cardinal William W. Baum, a past Archbishop of Washington and the longest-serving American cardinal, died on Thursday at the age... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass with new Cardinals in St. Peter's Basilica on Feb. 15, 2015.

New cardinals speak out on perils, potential of a globalized society

Feb 18, 2015

Pope Francis' newly elevated cardinals reflected on their roles as shepherds within a vast, multicultural Church – and the many... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass with new cardinals Feb. 15, 2015.

Take the red hat, but leave your 'spiritual box' behind, Pope tells cardinals

Feb 15, 2015

By Elise Harris

After elevating 20 new cardinals, Pope Francis reminded them that true honor is found in service, and urged them to... Read more

Cardinals pray together at the most recent consistory, held Feb. 22, 2014.

Pope Francis' new cardinals shed light on Church's minorities

Jan 4, 2015

By Elise Harris

In his Sunday Angelus address Pope Francis announced the names of the 15 bishops to be created cardinal electors in... Read more

Cardinals at the Feb. 23, 2014 Mass at St. Peter's Basilica.

Cardinals bring 'voice of poor' to Vatican

Feb 23, 2014

Pope Francis’ appointment of new cardinals from distant and impoverished countries has helped bring the topic of pastoral care for... Read more

Consistory of cardinals held Nov. 4, 2012.

New cardinals highlight Global South, pastoral experience

Jan 13, 2014

The 19 men chosen to be named cardinals in February stresses Pope Francis' attention on the peripheries of the Church,... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass for the Feast of the Epiphany in St. Peter's Basilica on Jan. 6, 2014.

Pope's first cardinals represent peripheries of the world

Jan 12, 2014

Today Pope Francis announced the names of the 19 men from various parts of the globe who will be appointed... Read more

Pope Francis greets the pilgrims in St. Peter's Square and delivers his first Urbi et Orbi blessing.

Pope Francis: cardinals went to end of world to find me

Mar 13, 2013

Pope Francis began his first words to the Church by saying that the cardinals “went to the end of the... Read more

The third vote results in black smoke on the morning of March 13, 2013.

Healthier cardinals means earlier smoke signals

Mar 13, 2013

The smoke signals that indicate whether or not a new Pope has been chosen might be earlier than in the... Read more

The cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel for the papal conclave to elect a new pope on the morning of March 12, 2013.

Three cardinals entered conclave with strong candidacies

Mar 13, 2013

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Last night black smoke poured out of the Sistine Chapel smoke stack, leaving no doubt that a single cardinal was... Read more

Black Smoke pours out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel as seen from St. Peter's Square.

No Pope after third round of voting

Mar 13, 2013

At 11:38 a.m. local time on March 13, black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, indicating that the cardinals... Read more

 Monsignor Guido Marini closes the Sistine Chapel door as the Conclave begins on March 12, 2013.

Cardinals will begin conclave with songs, prayers and oaths

Mar 12, 2013

The doors of the Sistine Chapel will be closed this evening with the declaration “extra omnes” – everyone out, beginning... Read more

Cardinal Angelo Sodano celebrates Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on March 12, 2013.

Cardinal Sodano prays for Pope generous in charity

Mar 12, 2013

The dean of the College of Cardinals celebrated Mass this morning and prayed for a new Pope that will embrace... Read more

Father Federico Lombardi responds to questions from the press on March 6, 2013.

New Pope will have adoration before his presentation

Mar 11, 2013

In a change to past papal elections, the new Pope will have the chance to adore Jesus in the Eucharist... Read more

Cardinals greet each other after the consistory Nov. 24, 2012 in St. Peter's Basilica.

Day before conclave, no clear favorite stands out

Mar 11, 2013

By Andrea Gagliarducci

“It’s not journalists that vote in the conclave. It’s cardinals,” Mexican Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera said on Sunday, after celebrating... Read more

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan enters Nostra Signora di Guadalupe on March 10, 2013.

Cardinal Dolan eager for conclave to start

Mar 10, 2013

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan told the press outside Our Lady of Guadalupe parish in Rome that he is anxious for... Read more

CNA

Detailed schedule of conclave released

Mar 9, 2013

Vatican press office director, Fr. Federico Lombardi, has revealed details of the daily schedule of the Conclave set to begin... Read more

CNA

Main reason for conclave date revealed

Mar 9, 2013

An overwhelming majority of the College of Cardinals agreed on holding the conclave March 12 because the Sistine Chapel and... Read more

CNA

Rome youth center to host perpetual adoration during conclave

Mar 8, 2013

A center for students and young people in Rome has announced that it will host 24-hour Eucharistic adoration to pray... Read more