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Can a priest be a cardinal?
With the revision of the Code of Canon Law promulgated in 1917 by Pope Benedict XV, only those who are already priests or bishops may be appointed cardinals. Since the time of Pope John XXIII a priest who is appointed a cardinal must be consecrated a bishop, unless he obtains a dispensation.
How does one become a Catholic cardinal?
The only way to become a cardinal is to get to current pope to appoint you as one — and of the 5,000 bishops, only about 200 are ever cardinals.
Are cardinals ordained or created?
In fact, however, the position of cardinal is not an order to which one can be ordained; rather, a cardinal is simply an elector of the pope and the title is an honorific office in the Church independent of the priesthood.
Who is higher than a cardinal?
In the Catholic Church, archbishops and bishops rank below cardinals. Becoming a bishop is the third and fullest level of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The first level is the ordination of a deacon, the second is the ordination of a priest, and the third is the ordination of a bishop.
Where do priest go when they retire?
Although a priest may retire from administrative duties and from the demands of a full-time assignment, such as a parish pastor or administrator, he continues the lifelong priestly ministry to which he dedicated himself at ordination.
Can a priest become a cardinal without being an ordained bishop?
Note that, according to Church law, new cardinals should be ordained bishops before being considered for appointment as cardinals. In some rare instances, however, elderly priests who have gained great esteem and have performed admirably for the Church can be appointed as cardinals without first being appointed as bishops.
How do you become a priest in the Catholic Church?
After completing residency in the seminary, you can now be ordained. You will be ordained as a transitional deacon for one year before being priest. “After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint them, ordain them, and consecrate them so that they may serve Me as priests”.
What are the requirements to become a cardinal?
There are no strict criteria for elevation to the College of Cardinals. Since 1917, a potential cardinal must already be at least a priest, but laymen have been cardinals in the past.
How long does it take to become a priest after Deacon?
Usually, you will need to spend six months as a deacon before you can be ordained a priest. As a deacon, you will be expected to actively take part in the running of a parish to which you will be assigned. In essence, the time you spend as a deacon is like a trial period for priesthood.