How to become a catholic cardinal: 7 essential steps – complete guide

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How to become a catholic cardinal

If you have ever wondered how to become a catholic cardinal, you are certainly not alone. Cardinals are prominent members of the Catholic Church who serve as close advisers to the Pope and, if under the age of 80, are entrusted with electing his successor in a conclave. While there is no application form or set career ladder, there are established pathways, expectations, and canonical norms that help explain how someone may be chosen. This guide brings clarity to the process, the requirements, and the realities behind the red hat.

Understanding how to become a catholic cardinal involves much more than ticking boxes. It is the fruit of a lifelong vocation, marked by priestly service, theological depth, pastoral leadership, and a reputation for integrity. Although cardinals are appointed directly by the Pope, there are consistent patterns in the way candidates are identified and selected. In the sections below, you will find the basic concepts, the practical steps, the qualities that matter, and the common misconceptions to avoid.

What does a cardinal do and why it matters

Before exploring how to become a catholic cardinal, it helps to understand the role itself. Cardinals form the College of Cardinals, a body that advises the Pope and plays a central part in the governance of the Church. Many cardinals are archbishops leading major dioceses around the world; others serve in the Roman Curia, the Church’s central administration in Rome. Collectively, they assist the Pope in matters of doctrine, discipline, diplomacy, and mission. Cardinal-electors (those under 80 years old) enter a conclave to choose a new Pope when the See of Rome is vacant.

Cardinals also carry symbolic roles. Each cardinal of the presbyteral and diaconal ranks is assigned a titular church in Rome, emphasising a link with the Diocese of Rome, while cardinal bishops hold titles linked to historic suburbicarian dioceses. The distinctive red colour (scarlet) of their garments signifies a readiness to serve the Church to the point of shedding blood if necessary—an enduring reminder of commitment and sacrifice.

Who can be appointed: the official framework

How to become a catholic cardinal is governed by Church law and practice. The Code of Canon Law states that cardinals are created by the Roman Pontiff and chosen from among those who are at least priests and outstanding in doctrine, morals, piety, and prudence. In modern times, almost all cardinals are bishops; when the Pope selects a priest, he usually dispenses the requirement of episcopal consecration for specific reasons (for example, the candidate’s advanced age or a role that does not require episcopal governance). You can consult the canons on the College of Cardinals in the Code of Canon Law for the precise legal framework in English on the Holy See’s website: relevant canons on the supreme authority and governance in the Church.

There is no “promotion exam” for cardinalate candidates. The decision rests entirely with the Pope, who considers the needs of the universal Church, geographic balance, pastoral experience, theological expertise, and the contributions of potential candidates. For a clear overview of the College of Cardinals’ history, ranks, and functions, see the College of Cardinals entry on Wikipedia, which also references primary sources and recent consistories.

Step-by-step: how to become a catholic cardinal in practice

While there is no guaranteed route, a typical path offers insight into how to become a catholic cardinal. It begins with vocation and unfolds through service, learning, leadership, and trust.

Discern a priestly vocation. The journey normally starts with a deep personal sense of calling to the priesthood. Prospective priests undergo formation in a seminary—usually including philosophy and theology—alongside spiritual and pastoral training.
Ordination as a deacon and priest. After seminary formation, a candidate is ordained a transitional deacon and then a priest. Priests serve in parishes, schools, universities, chaplaincies, tribunals, and diocesan structures.
Demonstrate pastoral excellence and integrity. Those considered in time for higher responsibilities typically show notable pastoral leadership, fidelity to Catholic teaching, and the capacity to serve diverse communities with prudence and compassion.
Pursue further studies or specialist expertise (often). Advanced studies in theology, canon law, Scripture, or related fields, as well as fluency in languages, can be highly valuable. Many future bishops—and eventually some cardinals—hold licences or doctorates, and have taught or contributed to scholarly work.
Serve in diocesan leadership or the Roman Curia. Priests who demonstrate leadership may be appointed to key diocesan roles (e.g., vicar general, chancellor) or invited to serve in the Curia. Outstanding service in evangelisation, charity, liturgy, or doctrine is often noticed.
Appointment as bishop (frequent but not absolute). Most cardinals are first appointed as bishops, often of significant dioceses or archdioceses. Episcopal ministry brings experience in governance, teaching, and pastoral care on a larger scale.
Recognition by the Pope and creation as cardinal. When a Pope convenes a consistory, he announces the names of new cardinals. These candidates receive the red biretta and ring, and are assigned a titular church or a diaconia in Rome, formally entering the College of Cardinals.

To see an official perspective on consistories and the creation of cardinals, the Holy See provides the Apostolic Constitution that governs papal elections, which also touches upon the role of cardinals in a conclave: Universi Dominici Gregis. For an accessible explainer on what a cardinal is and how consistories work, the Vatican’s news portal offers helpful context: Vatican News explainer on consistories and cardinals.

Diocesan priests and religious order priests

Both diocesan priests and members of religious orders can be appointed bishops and later created cardinals. Many cardinals are diocesan bishops; others are drawn from orders such as the Jesuits, Dominicans, Franciscans, and others, especially when serving in the Curia or in specialised ministries that benefit the universal Church.

Is episcopal consecration always required?

Strictly speaking, no. While the contemporary norm is for cardinals to be bishops, the Pope can dispense this requirement. A few priests have been created cardinals without episcopal consecration, especially eminent theologians or senior curial officials of advanced age. However, such dispensations are exceptions. Someone asking how to become a catholic cardinal should think primarily in terms of exemplary priestly or episcopal service rather than unusual exemptions.

Ranks within the College of Cardinals

Understanding the internal ranks enriches our picture of how to become a catholic cardinal. The College consists of cardinal bishops, cardinal priests, and cardinal deacons. Today, most who lead dioceses are cardinal priests; many curial officials are cardinal deacons; and a small number are cardinal bishops. The Dean and Vice-Dean of the College are chosen from among the cardinal bishops. Each rank has historical roots and ceremonial distinctions, but all cardinals share the core duty of supporting the Pope and, if under 80, participating in papal elections.

Qualities and skills that matter

Learning how to become a catholic cardinal is not only about roles and ranks; it is equally about virtues and skills developed over decades. Selection often reflects:

Pastoral leadership: Proven ability to shepherd communities, accompany the suffering, and foster evangelisation and catechesis.
Doctrinal fidelity and theological depth: A solid grasp of Catholic teaching, often supported by academic credentials and teaching or writing.
Governance and prudence: Experience managing complex institutions, budgets, and personnel with transparency and fairness.
Communication and languages: The ability to preach, teach, and dialogue across cultures; knowledge of languages, especially Italian, is often useful in Rome.
Missionary and social commitment: Service to the poor, engagement with the peripheries, and constructive presence in civic life.
Personal integrity: A life of prayer, humility, and accountability; a reputation for ethical conduct is indispensable.

Diversity and recent trends in appointments

In recent decades, Popes have increasingly created cardinals from a wider range of countries and ministries, ensuring the universal Church is represented. Many nominees lead dioceses in regions with growing Catholic populations; others head departments in the Curia or spearhead key areas such as evangelisation, education, and charity. This broader perspective influences how to become a catholic cardinal in practice: candidates may be noticed for frontline pastoral service, commitment to the poor, or fresh evangelising initiatives, as much as for traditional academic or curial experience.

Common misconceptions and mistakes about how to become a catholic cardinal

Several myths can distort the picture of how to become a catholic cardinal:

“It’s a career promotion you can pursue directly.” In reality, the cardinalate is not a personal achievement to chase but a service entrusted by the Pope. There is no application process.
“Anyone can be made a cardinal, even a lay person.” Historically, lay cardinals existed centuries ago, but current practice and canon law restrict selection to at least priests, with the strong norm of episcopal consecration.
“Being a cardinal is primarily about prestige.” The role involves heavy responsibilities: advising the Pope, governing dioceses, leading reforms, and guiding the faithful.
“Age does not matter.” Age does not prevent creation as a cardinal, but only those under 80 vote in conclave. Many older pastors have been created cardinals for their lifetime of service, even without voting rights.
“Academic titles alone guarantee selection.” While advanced studies help, lived pastoral charity, integrity, and prudence are equally crucial.

Timeframes and realistic expectations

Even the most concise guide to how to become a catholic cardinal must stress patience and realism. Priestly formation usually takes 6–8 years before ordination. From there, decades of ministry may unfold before any potential episcopal appointment. Many faithful, exemplary priests and bishops will never become cardinals; that does not lessen their contribution. The cardinalate is a unique calling at the service of the whole Church, not a measure of spiritual worth or pastoral success.

How appointments happen: announcement to consistory

The Pope periodically announces a consistory—an official gathering where new cardinals are created. He reads out the names during an Angelus or similar address. Candidates, once informed, travel to Rome to receive the red biretta and ring, and to be assigned a titular church or diaconia, expressing communion with the Bishop of Rome. Some are unable to travel due to age or illness and receive the insignia in their home countries. Those under 80 join the ranks of cardinal-electors for any future conclave.

Life as a cardinal: responsibilities and limits

Cardinals who are diocesan bishops continue leading their local Churches, often with heightened responsibilities on global commissions or synods. Curial cardinals work in the Pope’s service in Rome, helping shape doctrinal, liturgical, legal, and pastoral policy. For anyone reflecting on how to become a catholic cardinal, it is worth noting that the role brings a heavier burden of accountability and public witness, not less. After the age of 80, cardinals step back from conclave voting, though many continue advising, writing, and teaching.

Context and comparisons that help

The Catholic Church’s structure is distinctive. If you are exploring wider Christian contexts before focusing on how to become a catholic cardinal, you may find it useful to contrast Catholic and Orthodox governance and titles. For a primer on ecclesial differences that shape leadership roles, see differences between Orthodox and Catholic Churches. Understanding these traditions provides helpful background for appreciating the unique nature of the cardinalate.

Within Catholicism itself, various leadership roles exist alongside the cardinalate. Curial prefects, papal diplomats (nuncios), and heads of religious orders can influence how potential cardinals are noticed. If you have encountered the informal term “Black Pope”, it refers to the Superior General of the Jesuits, a role sometimes linked to cardinals historically. For clarity on that title and context, see who is the ‘Black Pope’ (Jesuit Superior General).

Recommended external resources

Frequently asked questions about how to become a catholic cardinal

Is there an application process for the cardinalate?

No. There is no formal application or nomination that an individual initiates. The Pope freely selects new cardinals based on the needs of the universal Church, considering pastoral service, doctrinal fidelity, leadership, and the good of the People of God.

Must someone be a bishop before being made a cardinal?

Most cardinals today are bishops, and the norm is that a priest selected will be ordained a bishop. However, the Pope can dispense from episcopal consecration in certain cases, especially for older priests or those whose role does not require episcopal governance.

Can a lay person become a cardinal nowadays?

Historically there were rare lay cardinals centuries ago, but current practice restricts appointments to at least priests, and effectively bishops. So for anyone asking how to become a catholic cardinal today, the practical starting point is priestly vocation and formation.

What age are cardinals when they are appointed?

It varies widely. Many are created cardinals in their 60s or 70s, though some are younger and some much older. Only cardinals under 80 are eligible to vote in a conclave. Older appointments often recognise a lifetime of service even if the new cardinal cannot vote.

Do academic qualifications matter?

They help, but they are not everything. Advanced degrees in theology or canon law, scholarly publications, and teaching experience are common among cardinals. Still, pastoral leadership, holiness of life, and sound judgement carry equal or greater weight.

Is the cardinalate a fixed rank for life?

Yes. Once created a cardinal, a person remains one for life, though responsibilities change with age. After 80, cardinals no longer vote in conclave, but they often continue to advise, write, and serve the Church in other ways.

How often does the Pope create new cardinals?

There is no exact schedule. Popes call consistories as needed, sometimes annually or every couple of years, depending on vacancies, pastoral needs, and the desired balance in the College of Cardinals.

Conclusion on how to become a catholic cardinal

In summary, how to become a catholic cardinal is best understood as a calling recognised by the Church rather than a goal one can plan or pursue independently. The usual path travels through priestly vocation, years of pastoral leadership, theological fidelity, and often episcopal ministry. The Pope, considering the needs of the universal Church, creates new cardinals to advise him and, if under 80, to elect his successor.

If you feel drawn to the idea of serving the Church at high levels, the surest preparation is to focus on holiness of life, pastoral charity, sound doctrine, and faithful service—precisely the qualities that the Church values at every stage of ministry. While there is no formula for how to become a catholic cardinal, the Church consistently recognises those who combine depth of faith with wise and generous leadership.

Ultimately, how to become a catholic cardinal is not about personal advancement but about readiness to take on greater responsibility for the people of God. It is the Pope’s choice, shaped by prayer and the needs of the time. For most, the path will not lead to the red hat, and that is perfectly fine: sanctity and service are the true measures of a Christian life, in every vocation.

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