Cardinal (Catholicism) facts for kids
A Cardinal is a very important leader in the Catholic Church. Cardinals are like special advisors or counselors to the pope, who is the head of the Catholic Church.
Cardinals are known for wearing a special red hat. This tradition started in 1245 when Pope Innocent IV gave cardinals the right to wear it. The red color is a symbol. It shows that cardinals are ready to protect the Church, even if it means great sacrifice.
The College of Cardinals
The group of all cardinals together is called the College of Cardinals. This group has a very important job: they elect the new pope when the current one steps down or passes away.
When there is no pope, the cardinals also help manage the daily activities of the Church until a new pope is chosen.
Images for kids
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Cardinal Richelieu, a chief minister of France
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Cardinal Innitzer, who was the Archbishop of Vienna
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The special clothes (choir dress) worn by a cardinal
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Cardinal Sodano (1927–2022), a former Dean of the college
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Cardinal-priest Thomas Wolsey
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Reginald Pole was a cardinal for 18 years
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A Cardinal in Profile, 1880, by Jehan Georges Vibert at the Morgan Library and Museum
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Cardinal Sarr wearing a ferraiolo and a red cassock
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Cardinals Walter Kasper (left) and Godfried Danneels (right) in their special clothes: red cassock, white rochet with lace, red mozetta, red biretta, and pectoral cross
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Cardinal Bertone in clothes for hot countries
See also
In Spanish: Cardenal para niños