Geography Is Only One Factor
Q: What criteria are used for naming cardinals? Geographic, demographic, population numbers? Does one area always have a cardinal serving it?
Does the United States have a specified number of cardinals at all times, which are replenished
when attrition occurs?
A: Since cardinals are the electors of the pope, geography is certainly a factor in their appointment. For example, every archbishop of New York since 1902 eventually became a cardinal. It is unlikely, therefore, that the pope will appoint as archbishop there someone whom he does not intend to make a cardinal.
Geography, however, is not the only consideration. Cardinals are supposed to head the Holy See’s Secretariat of State and the Vatican’s nine congregations. Anyone appointed to those offices will probably be made a cardinal.
No country is entitled to a specific number of cardinals. In the last 40 years, in fact, many cardinals were the first ones ever named in their country.
In 1971, Pope Paul VI set 120 as the maximum number of cardinals below the age of 80; only they may vote for a new pope. As that number declines, a pope is more likely to appoint new cardinals.
Pope John Paul II has retained the rule specifying a maximum of 120 members under age 80. He has also named as cardinals several men over that age. He did so to show his appreciation for their lifetime service to the Church.
There are now 11 U.S. cardinals under the age of 80, eight serving in this country and three in Rome. As of October 15, 1999, the Church’s 154 cardinals were born in Europe (81), Latin America (24), North America (16), Asia (15), Africa (14) and Oceania (4).
Does the United States have a specified number of cardinals at all times, which are replenished
when attrition occurs?
A: Since cardinals are the electors of the pope, geography is certainly a factor in their appointment. For example, every archbishop of New York since 1902 eventually became a cardinal. It is unlikely, therefore, that the pope will appoint as archbishop there someone whom he does not intend to make a cardinal.
Geography, however, is not the only consideration. Cardinals are supposed to head the Holy See’s Secretariat of State and the Vatican’s nine congregations. Anyone appointed to those offices will probably be made a cardinal.
No country is entitled to a specific number of cardinals. In the last 40 years, in fact, many cardinals were the first ones ever named in their country.
In 1971, Pope Paul VI set 120 as the maximum number of cardinals below the age of 80; only they may vote for a new pope. As that number declines, a pope is more likely to appoint new cardinals.
Pope John Paul II has retained the rule specifying a maximum of 120 members under age 80. He has also named as cardinals several men over that age. He did so to show his appreciation for their lifetime service to the Church.
There are now 11 U.S. cardinals under the age of 80, eight serving in this country and three in Rome. As of October 15, 1999, the Church’s 154 cardinals were born in Europe (81), Latin America (24), North America (16), Asia (15), Africa (14) and Oceania (4).
posted by See Tho Zhang Jacob at
11:36 PM
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