{"id":79415,"date":"2026-01-19T23:38:56","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T22:38:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/"},"modified":"2026-01-19T23:38:56","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T22:38:56","slug":"how-to-be-a-cardinal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/","title":{"rendered":"How to be a cardinal: essential, complete guide with 7 key steps"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_be_a_cardinal\"><\/span>How to be a cardinal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you have ever wondered how to be a cardinal, you are really asking about one of the most visible forms of service in the Catholic Church. Cardinals are senior clergy who advise the Pope, lead major dioceses or Vatican departments, and elect a new Pope in a conclave. This guide explains the role, the usual pathway, and the spiritual and practical qualities associated with the office, so you can understand what it involves and what it does not.<\/p>\n<p>While there is no application process for how to be a cardinal, there are recognisable steps and experiences that typically precede a cardinal\u2019s appointment. We will demystify the terms, give realistic expectations, and outline the sort of formation and service that characterise those who are eventually called to the College of Cardinals.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_be_a_cardinal_what_the_role_involves\"><\/span>How to be a cardinal: what the role involves<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Before exploring how to be a cardinal in practice, it helps to know what cardinals do. The College of Cardinals is a body of senior Church leaders chosen by the Pope. Their primary duties include advising the Pope, contributing to global Church governance, and\u2014if under the age of 80\u2014serving as cardinal electors in a papal conclave.<\/p>\n<p>Most cardinals are either archbishops of large dioceses (often called metropolitan sees) or senior officials in the Roman Curia (the Holy See\u2019s administrative departments). The red colour associated with cardinals symbolises a willingness to serve Christ and the Church with courage, even to the shedding of blood. It is a sign of sacrificial leadership, not of personal status.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Basic_prerequisites_for_how_to_be_a_cardinal\"><\/span>Basic prerequisites for how to be a cardinal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Canon law outlines the broad framework for who can be made a cardinal. If you are considering how to be a cardinal, these are the usual prerequisites:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ordination: Today, cardinals are chosen from among the clergy. They are typically bishops, although the Pope may dispense with episcopal ordination in particular cases and name a priest a cardinal.<\/li>\n<li>Appointment by the Pope: Only the Pope can create cardinals, usually announced in a ceremony known as a consistory.<\/li>\n<li>Service and reputation: Those created cardinals generally have a proven record of fidelity, pastoral care, leadership, theological understanding, and collaboration.<\/li>\n<li>Age considerations: Cardinals who are under 80 at the time a papacy ends are eligible to vote in a conclave. Men over 80 may still be named cardinals in recognition of service but do not vote.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Historically, there were times when laymen were named cardinals and then rapidly ordained, but the current practice is that candidates are at least priests, and ordinarily bishops, when created cardinals.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_realistic_pathway_steps_towards_how_to_be_a_cardinal\"><\/span>A realistic pathway: steps towards how to be a cardinal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There is no single formula for how to be a cardinal, but most cardinals have travelled a path of faithful service within the Church that includes seminary formation, priestly ministry, and often diocesan or curial leadership. Here is a typical progression.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Discern_a_priestly_vocation\"><\/span>1) Discern a priestly vocation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The first step in how to be a cardinal is actually the same first step for any priest: discernment. A genuine call to priesthood involves prayer, spiritual direction, and conversation with your parish priest or diocesan vocations director. The motivation should be service to God and His people, not ambition.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Enter_seminary_and_complete_formation\"><\/span>2) Enter seminary and complete formation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Priestly formation typically includes studies in philosophy and theology, human and spiritual formation, and pastoral experience. In the Latin Rite, candidates promise celibacy and obedience. Those looking towards long-term leadership often undertake advanced studies in theology, canon law, philosophy, or related disciplines.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Serve_faithfully_as_a_deacon_and_priest\"><\/span>3) Serve faithfully as a deacon and priest<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>After ordination\u2014first as a deacon and then as a priest\u2014most undertake parish assignments. Effective pastoral care, preaching, administration, and mentoring mark a priest\u2019s development. Those interested in how to be a cardinal will find that fidelity in ordinary parish work is the foundation for any later responsibilities.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Take_on_wider_responsibilities\"><\/span>4) Take on wider responsibilities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Many future bishops (and thus potential cardinals) are asked to serve as diocesan chancellors, vicars general, seminary formators, tribunal judges, or directors of diocesan offices. Competence in administration, communication, and collaboration with laity and religious all matter.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Possible_appointment_as_a_bishop\"><\/span>5) Possible appointment as a bishop<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The move from priest to bishop is not automatic, but if it happens, it\u2019s usually after a strong record of pastoral and administrative leadership. Bishops shepherd a diocese, teach the faith, sanctify through the sacraments, and govern with charity and prudence. An appointment to a larger archdiocese or a role within a bishops\u2019 conference can follow.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Significant_leadership_archdiocesan_or_curial_roles\"><\/span>6) Significant leadership: archdiocesan or curial roles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Those who eventually become cardinals often lead major dioceses or work in the Roman Curia, heading key departments responsible for evangelisation, doctrine, charity, liturgy, or clergy. An archbishop of a historically prominent see or a prefect of a Vatican dicastery is a common profile.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Created_cardinal_by_the_Pope\"><\/span>7) Created cardinal by the Pope<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In a consistory, the Pope announces new cardinals and assigns each a titular church in Rome, symbolising their bond with the Diocese of Rome. While the steps above are common, there are exceptions. Some priests have been made cardinals without being ordained bishops (for example, St John Henry Newman and Avery Dulles, SJ), because the Pope granted a dispensation. This flexibility is helpful to remember when considering how to be a cardinal: personal holiness and service carry more weight than a rigid template.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<div id='video-container' data-video-id='RX0QNQyC878' style='width:100%; height:auto; max-width:587px; position: relative;'>\n<div class='image-video-plugin' style='background:url(\"https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/RX0QNQyC878\/0.jpg\") center no-repeat; background-size: cover;'><\/div>\n<p>        <span class='youtube-play-button'><\/span><br \/>\n        <noscript><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=RX0QNQyC878\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/noscript>\n    <\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_titles_and_ranks_when_learning_how_to_be_a_cardinal\"><\/span>Understanding titles and ranks when learning how to be a cardinal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When considering how to be a cardinal, it helps to know the traditional internal ranks within the College of Cardinals:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Cardinal Bishop: Historically connected to suburbicarian dioceses around Rome; today, a small number of senior cardinals, including Eastern Catholic patriarchs designated as cardinals, hold this rank.<\/li>\n<li>Cardinal Priest: Typically diocesan archbishops from around the world with significant pastoral responsibilities.<\/li>\n<li>Cardinal Deacon: Often senior officials of the Roman Curia; after ten years, a cardinal deacon may opt to become a cardinal priest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>All cardinals share in the responsibility of advising the Pope and serving the Church; the ranks reflect history and function, not differing levels of sacramental ordination.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Qualities_the_Church_looks_for_when_considering_how_to_be_a_cardinal\"><\/span>Qualities the Church looks for when considering how to be a cardinal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The pathway to how to be a cardinal is as much about character as curriculum vitae. Common qualities include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Holiness and pastoral charity: Evident dedication to prayer, the sacraments, and compassionate shepherding of people.<\/li>\n<li>Doctrinal fidelity and sound judgement: Ability to teach the faith clearly and apply it wisely in complex situations.<\/li>\n<li>Leadership and collaboration: Experience guiding parishes, dioceses, or departments, and working well with clergy, religious, and laity.<\/li>\n<li>Cultural and linguistic competence: Many cardinals serve in international contexts; languages and intercultural sensitivity are invaluable.<\/li>\n<li>Administrative skill and transparency: Oversight of finances, safeguarding, and governance must be trustworthy and accountable.<\/li>\n<li>Communication: Comfort with media and public communication, always with humility and clarity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reality_check_common_myths_about_how_to_be_a_cardinal\"><\/span>Reality check: common myths about how to be a cardinal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Several myths persist about how to be a cardinal. Here are clarifications to keep expectations realistic:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Myth: It\u2019s a career ladder you can climb. Reality: The cardinalate is not a promotion in the secular sense; it is a call to greater service, discerned by the Pope.<\/li>\n<li>Myth: You can apply or lobby for it. Reality: There is no application. Campaigning is frowned upon; humility and service are the true currency.<\/li>\n<li>Myth: Only diocesan archbishops become cardinals. Reality: Many do, but priests and Eastern Catholic patriarchs can be created cardinals, and curial officials frequently are.<\/li>\n<li>Myth: Being a cardinal is mainly ceremonial. Reality: Beyond liturgy, cardinals carry significant responsibilities, including governance and the election of a Pope.<\/li>\n<li>Myth: It\u2019s about power and prestige. Reality: The red signifies readiness for martyrdom; the role is fundamentally sacrificial leadership.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_preparation_if_you_feel_called_to_how_to_be_a_cardinal\"><\/span>Practical preparation if you feel called to how to be a cardinal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you feel drawn to a path that might include how to be a cardinal, focus not on the office itself but on the spiritual and pastoral foundations that make trustworthy leaders. You could:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Deepen your prayer life: Regular Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic Adoration, and spiritual direction sustain discernment.<\/li>\n<li>Pursue thorough formation: Prioritise theological depth, canon law or pastoral studies as appropriate, and professional development in leadership and safeguarding.<\/li>\n<li>Seek mentors: Learn from experienced pastors and bishops; ask for honest feedback on your strengths and blind spots.<\/li>\n<li>Serve where needed: Willingness to accept challenging assignments often broadens experience and trust.<\/li>\n<li>Cultivate humility: Be teachable, avoid self-promotion, and keep service to people at the heart of your ministry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Above all, stay rooted in the conviction that discernment is God\u2019s work. If the Lord wants you to be a cardinal, He will open the doors in His time through the Church\u2019s legitimate authorities.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wider_Church_context_that_shapes_how_to_be_a_cardinal\"><\/span>Wider Church context that shapes how to be a cardinal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Catholic Church includes the Latin (Western) Church and 23 Eastern Catholic Churches, each with its own traditions. Eastern Catholic patriarchs and major archbishops may be created cardinals, expressing the universal nature of the Church. Understanding these contexts helps anyone exploring how to be a cardinal appreciate the broad tapestry of Catholic life and leadership. For a broader look at traditions and theology in neighbouring Christian communities, see this overview of <a href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/orthodox-vs-catholic\/\">Orthodox vs Catholic differences<\/a>, which clarifies similarities and distinctions that matter in ecumenical dialogue.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_leadership_roles_and_terminology_to_know_when_exploring_how_to_be_a_cardinal\"><\/span>Related leadership roles and terminology to know when exploring how to be a cardinal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Those asking how to be a cardinal often encounter terms such as \u201carchbishop,\u201d \u201cprefect,\u201d or even the colloquial \u201cBlack Pope\u201d (a nickname for the Superior General of the Jesuits due to his black cassock and perceived influence). While the Jesuit leader is not a cardinal by office, understanding these roles helps situate Catholic leadership. For a brief explanation of this nickname and its history, read <a href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/black-pope\/\">what people mean by the \u2018Black Pope\u2019<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, it is common to hear of consistories (where new cardinals are created), titular churches (symbolic Roman parishes attached to newly created cardinals), and the distinction between cardinal electors and non-electors. Becoming familiar with these terms can demystify how to be a cardinal and what the office entails day to day.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recommended_external_resources\"><\/span>Recommended external resources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/College_of_Cardinals\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Comprehensive overview of the College of Cardinals<\/a> with history, functions, and current membership.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/press.vatican.va\/content\/salastampa\/en\/documentation\/cardinali_elenco\/anagrafica_cardinali_generale.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Holy See Press Office: official list and profiles of current cardinals<\/a> maintained by the Vatican.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vatican.va\/archive\/cod-iuris-canonici\/eng\/documents\/cic_lib2-cann349-359_en.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Code of Canon Law (Canons 349\u2013359): the cardinals of the Holy Roman Church<\/a> outlining legal foundations of the office.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newadvent.org\/cathen\/03333b.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Catholic Encyclopedia: article on cardinals<\/a> with historical context and development of the cardinalate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_articles\"><\/span>Related articles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/orthodox-vs-catholic\/\">Key differences between Orthodox and Catholic traditions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/black-pope\/\">Meaning and history of the term \u201cBlack Pope\u201d<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_asked_questions_about_how_to_be_a_cardinal\"><\/span>Frequently asked questions about how to be a cardinal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_you_have_to_be_a_bishop_to_become_a_cardinal\"><\/span>Do you have to be a bishop to become a cardinal?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Usually, yes. Most men created as cardinals are bishops, whether of a diocese or serving in the Roman Curia. However, the Pope can dispense with the requirement of episcopal ordination and name a priest a cardinal, as happened with St John Henry Newman and Avery Dulles, SJ. This exception is rare but shows that holiness and service matter most.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_there_a_set_age_or_timetable_for_how_to_be_a_cardinal\"><\/span>Is there a set age or timetable for how to be a cardinal?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There is no timetable. Many cardinals are in their late 50s to 70s at the time of creation, reflecting years of experience. The key age threshold concerns voting: only cardinals under 80 at the start of a conclave may vote. Men over 80 can still be created cardinals to honour their service, but they do not participate as electors.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_layperson_learn_how_to_be_a_cardinal_today\"><\/span>Can a layperson learn how to be a cardinal today?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No. Although there were lay cardinals in earlier centuries (who were then quickly ordained), current practice is that cardinals are chosen from the ranks of the clergy. In the present discipline, anyone created a cardinal must at least be a priest, and ordinarily a bishop.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_how_to_be_a_cardinal_different_for_Eastern_Catholics\"><\/span>Is how to be a cardinal different for Eastern Catholics?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The fundamentals are similar: a cleric is recognised for service and leadership, then created a cardinal by the Pope. Eastern Catholic patriarchs and major archbishops may be named cardinals, illustrating the universal character of the College of Cardinals. Their liturgical and administrative traditions differ from the Latin Church, but the cardinalate is a sign of unity in diversity.<\/p>\n<h3 \n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Alternar tabla de contenidos\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#How_to_be_a_cardinal\" >How to be a cardinal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#How_to_be_a_cardinal_what_the_role_involves\" >How to be a cardinal: what the role involves<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#Basic_prerequisites_for_how_to_be_a_cardinal\" >Basic prerequisites for how to be a cardinal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#A_realistic_pathway_steps_towards_how_to_be_a_cardinal\" >A realistic pathway: steps towards how to be a cardinal<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#1_Discern_a_priestly_vocation\" >1) Discern a priestly vocation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#2_Enter_seminary_and_complete_formation\" >2) Enter seminary and complete formation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#3_Serve_faithfully_as_a_deacon_and_priest\" >3) Serve faithfully as a deacon and priest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#4_Take_on_wider_responsibilities\" >4) Take on wider responsibilities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#5_Possible_appointment_as_a_bishop\" >5) Possible appointment as a bishop<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#6_Significant_leadership_archdiocesan_or_curial_roles\" >6) Significant leadership: archdiocesan or curial roles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#7_Created_cardinal_by_the_Pope\" >7) Created cardinal by the Pope<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#Understanding_titles_and_ranks_when_learning_how_to_be_a_cardinal\" >Understanding titles and ranks when learning how to be a cardinal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#Qualities_the_Church_looks_for_when_considering_how_to_be_a_cardinal\" >Qualities the Church looks for when considering how to be a cardinal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#Reality_check_common_myths_about_how_to_be_a_cardinal\" >Reality check: common myths about how to be a cardinal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#Practical_preparation_if_you_feel_called_to_how_to_be_a_cardinal\" >Practical preparation if you feel called to how to be a cardinal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#Wider_Church_context_that_shapes_how_to_be_a_cardinal\" >Wider Church context that shapes how to be a cardinal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#Related_leadership_roles_and_terminology_to_know_when_exploring_how_to_be_a_cardinal\" >Related leadership roles and terminology to know when exploring how to be a cardinal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#Recommended_external_resources\" >Recommended external resources<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#Related_articles\" >Related articles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#Frequently_asked_questions_about_how_to_be_a_cardinal\" >Frequently asked questions about how to be a cardinal<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#Do_you_have_to_be_a_bishop_to_become_a_cardinal\" >Do you have to be a bishop to become a cardinal?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#Is_there_a_set_age_or_timetable_for_how_to_be_a_cardinal\" >Is there a set age or timetable for how to be a cardinal?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#Can_a_layperson_learn_how_to_be_a_cardinal_today\" >Can a layperson learn how to be a cardinal today?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/how-to-be-a-cardinal\/#Is_how_to_be_a_cardinal_different_for_Eastern_Catholics\" >Is how to be a cardinal different for Eastern Catholics?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to be a cardinal If you have ever wondered how to be a cardinal, you are really asking about one of the most visible forms of service in the Catholic Church. Cardinals are senior clergy who advise the Pope, lead major dioceses or Vatican departments, and elect a new Pope in a conclave. This &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":79416,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-79415","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chiristian"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79415","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=79415"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79415\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/79416"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=79415"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=79415"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oracioncristiana.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=79415"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}