Means cardinal. The meaning of the word cardinal. Big Law Dictionary

In the structure of the Catholic church hierarchy, position is determined by the level of dignity. Cardinals are both a dignity and a position. The second degree of spiritual dignity after the Pope. Cardinals perform two main actions: they elect the vicar of the deceased Pope at a special board and help him manage the most important affairs of the Catholic Church. In turn, the cardinals are appointed by the Pope. He also decides on their resignation: a petition is submitted for it after the cardinal reaches 75 years of age.

College

The entire number of cardinals constitutes the collegium headed by the dean. She performs three main roles.
The College of Cardinals meets in a consistory (council), convened and chaired by the Pope, to convene and discuss important issues.
The College leads the leadership of the Catholic Church in the interim period after the death or resignation of the previous Pope and until the election of a new one.
The college meets in a conclave to choose a new pope.

Number of cardinals

The College in 1962 consisted of 87 cardinals. This number was increased by Pope Paul VI in 1973 to 120 people. But today such a norm is not strictly observed, and at the 2012 consistory, which was headed by the pope, the total number of cardinals reached 213 people. This is due to the formation of new titular churches and deacons, which require cardinals of various ranks.

ranks

The college is divided into three ranks: cardinal bishops, cardinal presbyters (priests), cardinal deacons.

The clergyman of the episcopal rank in the college is the highest rank, to which the cardinal presbyter, and occasionally the cardinal deacon, is elevated. Their fixed number in the board since 1917 is six people. And to this day it remains unchanged. The cardinal-bishop, the oldest of the order, is traditionally chosen by the dean of the college.

The College of Cardinal Priests is headed by the Cardinal Chief Presbyter. Due to the increase in the number of Roman titular churches, restrictions on the number of cardinal presbyters in the college ceased to operate under Paul VI. Prior to this, their number had been established since 1917 at 50 people. If there is a vacancy, those cardinal-priests who are in the Roman ministry, taking into account their seniority, may be elevated to the dignity of cardinal-bishop. This action is taken only after the decision of the Pope.

The first seven deacons of Rome were appointed by St. Peter (so written in Liber Pontificalis). Rome in the 3rd century was divided into seven ecclesiastical districts, and a deacon was appointed at the head of each. Gradually, the number of Roman deacons increased, and now there are 62 of them. Accordingly, a cardinal deacon is assigned to each. After ten years of service in their rank, they have the right to move into the rank of cardinal presbyters. But they, with rare exceptions, are not allowed to become directly cardinal-bishops.

The cardinal first deacon (protodeacon) heads the board of cardinal deacons. In addition to his main duties, he leads the processions at the Papal services. There is a tradition: the cardinal-first deacon crowns by placing a tiara on his head. If a clergyman has performed two such coronations, then he can go directly to the rank of cardinal-bishop - this is an exclusive right. Since 1978, this tradition has not been applied, but it has not been canceled either. It is also the duty and privilege of the cardinal-first deacon to announce the new elected pope and present him with the pallium, the ancient hallmark of episcopal dignity.

Robe

The main elements of the outer vestments of the cardinals are a mantle and a cap of purple color, symbolizing their dignity. From 1245 and for a long time, only the red headdress was an external attribute of the cardinal rank. The first was a galero - a wide-brimmed hat, similar to those worn by pilgrims, from the brim of which 15 tassels hung. Canceled in 1969.

Biretta - a quadrangular beret crowned with three crests. He, raising to the dignity, the Pope lays on the head of the cardinal. This is a solemn and official headdress, and a zuketto is considered everyday - a small cap covering the tonsure, identical to Jewish yarmulkes, only with a small ponytail on top.

Other attributes

Items symbolizing cardinal dignity also include a red umbrella, a ring, a coat of arms and a throne, which is located in the church to which the cardinal is assigned.

Since the 19th century, the ring has become the most important external sign of the dignity of cardinals. It is a symbol of devotion to the Catholic Church. The gold ring is decorated with a sapphire, ruby or emerald. The crucifixion scene is depicted on the outside, and the coat of arms of the Pope, who made the appointment to the cardinal, is engraved inside.

Eminence grise

This is not a rank or position. Such a nickname was given in the 17th century by Father Joseph (Francois Leclerc) - a French politician, executor of secret assignments and head of the office of Cardinal Richelieu. In the world, the nobleman Leclerc advanced through his military and political career. After 1599, having taken tonsure in a monastery of the Capuchin order, he became a fanatical adherent of the Catholic faith. He became famous as a church reformer, a preacher, an influential spiritual person at court, who combined political and religious activities.

The courtiers nicknamed the monk cardinal and reverend because of his special unofficial powers and power. And the nickname gray cardinal indicated not only the color of the Capuchin attire, but also his implicit shadow deeds, and the fact that the monk was considered the shadow of Cardinal Richelieu. A few months before his death, he received the dignity of cardinal.

In politics and business, gray cardinals are people who have exceptional influence and authority, but do not occupy major positions.

In the Roman Catholic Church after the Pope.

The concept of "cardinal" arose in late antiquity, when Rome was divided into several parishes, each of which was assigned (incardinated) a special presbyter. Later, along with the cardinal presbyters, there appeared cardinal deacons, who headed the Roman diaconias (originally they were in charge of charitable activities in the city), as well as cardinal bishops, bishops of seven suburban (suburbicarian) dioceses.

The title of cardinal acquired special significance in connection with the procedure for electing the pope. Until the 11th century, the cardinals, as representatives of the Roman clergy, participated in the election of popes along with the inhabitants of Rome. In 1059, Pope Nicholas II (1059-61) with the bull "In nomini Domini" left the right to elect popes only to the cardinal-bishops. In 1130, for the first time, all three ranks of cardinals participated in the elections, in 1179 they received the exclusive right to elect his successor after the death of the pope. From the 2nd half of the 12th century, the dignity of cardinal presbyter and cardinal deacon began to be assigned also to archbishops and bishops who lived outside Rome. However, each cardinal was necessarily included in the clergy of Rome. Thus, the cardinal dignity as an honorary title began to reflect only the position of the clergyman in the Roman clergy, and not his actual clergy. From the middle of the 13th century, cardinals received special purple vestments and cardinal hats.

It has been a tradition since 1389 that the new pope is chosen from among the cardinals, although this is not a strictly binding rule (see Conclave). In 1970, Pope Paul VI determined that upon reaching the age of 80, cardinals lose their right to vote in the conclave.

In 1586, Pope Sixtus V officially determined that the number of cardinals should not exceed 70 (6 cardinal bishops, 50 cardinal presbyters and 14 cardinal deacons). Each of the six cardinal-bishops heads one of the suburbical sees, while the cardinal-dean (head of the college of cardinals) is traditionally the cardinal-bishop of Ostia. Only a cardinal presbyter or, more rarely, a cardinal deacon can become a cardinal bishop. In 1965, the patriarchs of the Eastern Catholic Churches were equated to the rank of cardinal-bishops, if they are elevated to the rank of cardinal. In 1962, Pope John XXIII decreed that all cardinals should be elevated to episcopal dignity, but there are exceptions to this rule. In 1975, Pope Paul VI increased the number of cardinals by law to 120 at the expense of cardinal presbyters and cardinal deacons. cardinals are conditionally divided into two groups: curial cardinals serving in the Roman Curia (all cardinal bishops, most cardinal deacons and some cardinal presbyters), and cardinals heading large dioceses.

The elevation to the dignity of a cardinal is carried out by the pope at the consistory - a meeting of cardinals headed by the pope. The pope may appoint cardinals secretly (in pectore), but if the pope dies without announcing the name of the appointee, then this erection is considered to have failed. It is not uncommon for the pope to appoint as cardinals persons who do not have significant ecclesiastical positions, such as well-known theologians. Cardinals are appointed for life, but in exceptional cases the pope can deprive this dignity (the last case took place in 1927).

Lit.: Martin V. Les cardinaux et la curie. R., 1930; Fürst C. G. Cardinalis: Prolegomena zu einer Rechtsgeschichte des römischen Kardinalskollegiums. Munch., 1967; Alberigo G. Cardinalato e collegialita. Firenze, 1969; Melloni A. Il conclave: storia di una istituzione. Bologna, 2001.

The phrase "gray cardinal" is a mystery to many people who have not met this term. What does it mean? A high-class Catholic clergyman wearing all grey? But the "princes of the church" wear red vestments... So, the literal interpretation of the term is unacceptable here. So who is this then?

Understand this issue, find out the meaning of these words and get acquainted with specific examples from world history and Everyday life this article will help the reader.

How did the expression

The phrase has its roots in medieval France, in those days when religion and politics were still relatives, and not half-sisters. One of the most famous French characters of the 17th century is Armand Jean du Plessis, better known as Cardinal Richelieu. According to historians, this figure actually led the external and internal politics the French crown and had a tremendous influence on the king. For the scarlet colors of the vestments laid down by a clergyman of his rank, one of Richelieu's nicknames was the "Red Cardinal".

But very few people know who guided Richelieu himself. This person is known under the name Francois Leclerc du Tremblay. This is a man of noble blood who chose for himself the path of a monk of the Capuchin order, forever dressed in a gray cassock and taking the monastic name Father Joseph. It was he who led the “Richelieu Office”, an organization that kept the whole of France in fear. It was this man who carried out the most subtle and dark assignments for his patron, while caring about the final result, and not about the ways to achieve it. Father Joseph is the "gray cardinal", or "gray reverend." So he was called for the color of the Capuchin attire and his outstanding ability to conduct a political process without attracting attention to himself. The paradox lies in the fact that du Tremblay became a real cardinal of the Catholic Church only in the year of his death.

"Gray Cardinal" in the paintings of artists

The painting by the French artist Jean-Leon Gerome depicts Father Joseph in modest grays calmly descending the stairs of the palace and immersed in reading. The reaction of the courtiers to his presence is amazing. Absolutely everyone, even the wealthiest people, bowed their heads in unison before the monk and tore off their hats. The monk did not honor the people bowing before him even with a fleeting glance, not paying any attention to their respect. So great was the importance of the "gray eminence" at the French court.

Another canvas depicting Father Joseph is by Charles Delo and is called Richelieu and his Cats. In addition to the red cardinal and his favorites, in a dark corner, at a table littered with papers, one can distinguish a man in a gray robe with a surprisingly concentrated and intelligent face. This is how the artist depicted the “gray cardinal”.

What does "gray cardinal" mean?

Many years have passed since the life of Father Joseph, but this expression has gained such popularity that it is still used today. The business suit has replaced the sutan, religion has ceased to play one of the main roles in politics, but the "gray cardinals" still exist.

Who is called the "gray cardinal"? This is an influential person of a greater mind, as a rule, from the category of high-ranking politicians. "Eminence Gray" is a strategist who prefers to solve his problems not directly, but through the hands of other people, while remaining in the shadows, not going on stage. This is a master puppeteer, skillfully pulling the strings of his puppets, forcing them to do their will.

"Eminence Gray" is a person who masterfully owns a number of skills, such as compromising evidence, PR, black PR, brute force through third parties, financial impact, and so on.

Examples from history

"Eminence grise" is an expression widely used in the period of modern and recent history. Let's look at a few examples.

Adolf Frederick Munch, an 18th-century Swedish politician, enjoyed the unconditional confidence of King Gustav III. On his wise advice, the Swedish monarch, in confrontation with Russian Empire launched the production of counterfeit Russian coins of high quality. The economic advantage allowed the Swedes to start military operations, which at that time brought a positive result.

Who was called the "grey eminence" in China? Shoemaker Li Lianying's son. But how did a simple poor man manage to become a “grey eminence”? Hearing that eunuchs, castrated men, enjoyed the greatest influence at the court of the emperor, the young man performed the operation himself. In the service of the emperor, a young servant colluded with one of his rejected concubines, eventually making her his beloved wife and the last empress of China.

Joseph Fouche, French police minister at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, was a classic "gray eminence". Collecting compromising evidence on every significant figure, Fouche achieved enormous influence, while remaining in the shadows. The unique ability of this man was the ability to change patrons with such ease and naturalness, as some people take off and put on gloves. Five times he managed to survive the transfer of power from the royalists to Napoleon and all five times to remain in his high position, and, moreover, one of the favorites of the ruler.

"Grey cardinals" of the Kremlin

In the recent history of Russia, there are also figures who have received such a nickname. So, who were called the "gray cardinals" of the Kremlin?

In the first years of the third millennium, such a nickname was attached to Alexander Stalyevich Voloshin, who led the Administration of the President of Russia. In the picture taken on December 31, 1999, Voloshin is symbolically depicted behind the backs of two leaders - Boris Yeltsin and Vladimir Putin.

In the second decade of the 21st century, Vladislav Surkov began to be called such an expression. The “grey eminence” of the Kremlin, holding the position of assistant to the President, plays a crucial role in the political processes of the country. Vast experience in the media and in the field of public relations allows this person to subtly feel the conjuncture of people's mood and skillfully manage it.

Expression in music and films

In the album of the domestic rock group "Prince" there is a song with the same name. The first quatrain perfectly reveals the whole essence of the “shadow ruler”.

Secret power is the business of the smart,
And in any game you need to be able to
Get to the point, quietly and silently,
Subjugate and take over.

In the cult TV series The X-Files, not one person acts as a “shadow power”, but a whole secret government, the existence of which is unknown to ordinary people.

And board games

There are several board games that use the expression "grey eminence". For example, in the game of the same name from Russian authors Alexander Nevsky and Oleg Sidorenko, the player will have to feel himself in this difficult role. In a card game, you need to draw cards of the inhabitants of the palace from the deck: a jester, a general, a seer, a bard, an alchemist, a murderer, a judge, a king and a queen. With their help, it is necessary to gain political influence at the court. The winner of the game is the one who, at the end of the game, has the greatest "weight".

Another mention is found in another board game - Runebound. One of the skills in this game is called "Eminence Gray" and allows you to remove any enemy combat token, significantly weakening it with this action.

Cardinalis sanctæ romanæ Ecclesiæ(With lat.- "Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church"). In accordance with the 1983 Code of Canon Law, the functions of the cardinals include the election of the pope at the conclave and assistance in the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church, which they provide collegially, acting in advisory functions to the pope during consistories, and individually, heading departments and other permanent services of the Roman Curia and the city-state of the Vatican. Collectively, the cardinals make up the College of Cardinals (until 1983 - the Sacred College of Cardinals; despite the abolition of the epithet sacred, it is still sometimes called that), headed by the dean.

Ranks of cardinals

Title history

The history of cardinals dates back to the first century AD. e. - to the seven ancient deacons, chosen by the apostles and appointed to take care of poor Christians (Acts -6). Under the Bishop of Rome, for a long time, the tradition was preserved to elect seven privileged archdeacons, who soon concentrated enormous financial, administrative and even spiritual power in their hands, as they were directly subordinate to the pope. Moreover, the popes themselves often depended on their closest and most powerful subordinates - papal archdeacons - who began to be respectfully called cardinals. The papal archdeacons did not lose the title of cardinal even when they were promoted, ordained presbyters and, further, bishops. Over time, all cardinals began to be ordained bishops, but at the same time they receive a double (parallel) clergy. That is, those Catholic bishops who bear the title of cardinal, in whatever part of the world they head their dioceses, are necessarily assigned to one of the parish churches of the city of Rome as a simple priest or even a deacon.

"Lay Cardinals"

Until 1918, to be appointed a cardinal, it was not necessary to have not only episcopal, but also priestly rank. Any man ranked only in the minor rank of the Catholic Church could receive the rank of cardinal deacon. Such cardinals were traditionally called "lay cardinals", since they could not perform the sacraments and did not take a vow of celibacy, although they were clerics and received the first tonsure - tonsure. The last lay cardinal died in 1899.

Number of cardinals

The number of cardinals varied (in the 12th century rarely more than 30, even descended to 7) until 1586, when, by decree of Pope Sixtus V, it was determined at 70 (according to the number of 70 elders of Israel and 70 disciples of Christ): 6 of them are cardinals bishops, 50 cardinal priests and 14 cardinal deacons. As of March 2019, there are 222 cardinals, although according to the rules established by Paul VI, no more than 120 people have the right to vote in the conclave (as of March 2019, 122 cardinals have the right to elect the pope). Cardinal priests and cardinal deacons bear titles after the names of the Roman churches and chapels in which they are listed. In their own and subordinate churches, the cardinals have episcopal jurisdiction and, in addition, many other privileges. Cardinals are appointed by the pope, first in a secret, and then in a solemn meeting of the consistory, with the observance of well-known rites. The pope can appoint cardinals, but for some time not announce their names, keep them “in his chest” (ital. in petto, lat. in pectore), and the seniority of such cardinals is counted from the day the pope announced the appointment. First appointed in pectore the cardinals were Girolamo Aleander and Reginald Pole.

Information about the cardinals

Foreigners (non-Italians) who received dignity cardinals, on the recommendation of Catholic governments and representing their sovereigns in papal elections, were called cardinals of the crown. The cardinals, together with the pope, form the Sacred College, of which the oldest