Initially, the color of the clothes of the cardinals was exactly the same as that of ordinary priests. The cardinals' outfit was not particularly different. Only a headdress - a gallero with fifteen tassels - betrayed the priest's belonging to the Cardinal dignity. The pilgrims wore the same hats. The situation changed in 1245, when the robes of the cardinals were assigned a purple-red color.
Color as an attribute of power
The purple color is a symbol of blood and implies that the cardinal will defend the Christian faith to the last drop. The cardinal’s outer attire itself consists of a cap and mantle, which, in turn, emphasizes their dignity. In addition to hats and mantles, there are other attributes of clothing that belong exclusively to cardinals and are used in ceremonial and official ceremonies (for example, a biretta - a headdress designed to raise a cardinal to the dignity). Gray color has nothing to do with the cardinal rank. Exactly, as there is no official rank of “gray cardinal”.
The main functions of cardinals
The very meaning of the word “cardinal” refers to the first century of our era. At that time, officials were sometimes called that. Gradually, the word “cardinal” acquired a clearer meaning. Currently, the second most important after the Pope, the highest priesthood belongs to the cardinals. A cardinal is a church title rather than a rite associated with divine law. Cardinals form a conclave. On the conclave, the Pope is elected. In turn, the Pope selects and appoints cardinals.
The functionality of the meeting of cardinals is quite wide and, in fact, covers all areas of church life, helping the Pope in governance:
- The Secretariat of State of the Holy See is the vehicle for all diplomatic and political decisions of the Vatican. The Cardinal, the secretary of state who heads this governing body, is, figuratively speaking, the prime minister of the Vatican. There is also a foreign policy unit within the secretariat, which is accordingly also led by the cardinal.
- The actual management of the spiritual sphere of the diocese is vested in the Cardinal Vicar.
- The Vatican’s Chancellery is chaired by the Cardinal Chancellor, regulating internal and external workflows.
- The huge Old City Library of the Holy City is managed by the Cardinal Librarian.
- Financial matters in the affairs of the Roman Catholic Diocese are actually concentrated in the hands of one cardinal - the Camerlengo, who is responsible for the property of the Pope, including his throne at the time of re-election.
- The confession, unification of the Pope refers to the function of the cardinal - the supreme penitentiary. He also presides over the Roman Catholic Tribunal.
Thus, in the hands of the congregation, the cardinals are the most powerful support of the Roman Catholic Church. Enormous power is concentrated in the hands of the meeting of cardinals of the conclave in the governance structure of the Roman Catholic Church. The Cardinal is the second cleric after the Pope. We turn to the topic of our article.
Grey Cardinal
The meaning of the words “gray cardinal” has practically no relation to spirituality. Its roots go back to the seventeenth century to the king of France, Louis XIII. Due to the young age of Louis, and then just with his dumb consent, the power in the country was concentrated in the hands of the famous "red cardinal" Richelieu. Cardinal Richelieu came to rule France even in those days when Louis was a child and the power belonged to his mother Maria Medici.
Cardinal Richelieu
Cardinal Richelieu went down in history as the foremost politician of his time. He began his career by receiving the rank of bishop in the poorest diocese in France - Luson. The cardinal put a lot of effort into correcting the situation. It was at that time that he wrote several philosophical works of theological nature.
It is worth noting that Richelieu sought to strengthen centralized power in the state, contributed to the suppression of the opposition, including religious. During the period of the cardinal’s actual rule, foreign economic and foreign policy relations, including with Russia, were improved and re-established. The cardinal paid much attention to improving the financial condition of the state, some taxes were abolished, and incentive laws were introduced.
Father joseph
A review of the activities of Richelieu will not be complete, if not to mention the figure of Joseph's father. Father Joseph is a Capuchin monk who wore the gray cloak of his order. He had a great influence at court, not having any high spiritual rank. Father Joseph was famous for assisting Cardinal Richelieu in his political activities, becoming almost the closest ally. This assistance was not always legal. He received the rank of cardinal shortly before his death. Joseph's father was nicknamed the "gray cardinal" at court for his gray cloak. Thus, if a cardinal is a church title, then a “gray cardinal” is a collective image of a shadow ruler.
At present, this is the name of influential people, most often politicians who do not have a position corresponding to their powers.