Initially, the color of the clothes of the cardinals was exactly the same as that of ordinary priests. The dress code of the cardinals was not particularly different. Only the headdress - a galley with fifteen tassels - betrayed the priest's belonging to the cardinal rank. The same hats were worn by pilgrims. The situation changed in 1245, when the purple-red color was assigned to the attire of the cardinals.
Color as an attribute of power
Purple color is a symbol of blood and implies that the cardinal will defend the Christian faith to the last drop. The outer attire of the cardinal itself consists of a cap and a mantle, which, in turn, emphasizes their dignity. In addition to the cap and mantle, there are other attributes of clothing that belong exclusively to cardinals and are used in solemn and official ceremonies (for example, a biretta is a headdress intended for raising a cardinal to the dignity). The color gray has nothing to do with the rank of cardinal. Exactly, as there is no official rank of "gray cardinal".
Basic functions of cardinals
The very meaning of the word"cardinal" refers to the first century AD. At that time, officials were sometimes called that. Gradually, the word "cardinal" acquired a clearer meaning. Currently, the second most important clergy after the Pope belongs to the cardinals. Cardinal is more of an ecclesiastical title than a rank associated with divine right. The cardinals form a conclave. At the conclave, the choice of the Pope takes place. In turn, the Pope chooses and appoints the cardinals.
The functionality of the meeting of cardinals is quite wide and, in fact, covers all areas of church life, helping the Pope in management:
- The State Secretariat of the Holy See is the conductor of all diplomatic and political decisions of the Vatican. The cardinal is the secretary of state, who heads this governing body, figuratively speaking, is the prime minister of the Vatican. Within the secretariat there is also a unit dealing with foreign policy, which, accordingly, is also headed by a cardinal.
- The actual management of the spiritual sphere of the diocese is entrusted to the cardinal vicar.
- The Vatican Chancellery is chaired by the Cardinal Chancellor, who regulates internal and external document flow.
- The largest Old Library of the Holy City is run by the Cardinal Librarian.
- Financial issues 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.
- Confession, unction of the Pope refers to the functioncardinal - supreme penitentiary. He also presides over the Roman Catholic Tribunal.
Thus, in the hands of the assembly, the cardinals are the most powerful support of the Roman Catholic Church. In the hands of the assembly of cardinals of the conclave, enormous power is concentrated in the governance structure of the Roman Catholic Church. A cardinal is the second spiritual person after the Pope. Let's move on to the topic of our article.
Grey cardinal
The meaning of the words "gray eminence" has almost nothing to do with spirituality. The phrase has its roots in the seventeenth century to the King of France, Louis XIII. Due to the young age of Louis, and then simply with his silent consent, power in the country was concentrated in the hands of the famous "Red Cardinal" Richelieu. Cardinal Richelieu came to rule France back when Louis was a child and power belonged to his mother, Marie de 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. A lot of efforts were made by the cardinal to correct the situation. It was during that period that he wrote several philosophical works of a theological nature.
It is worth noting that Richelieu sought to strengthen the centralized power in the state, contributed to the suppression of opposition, including religious. During the period of the actual reign of the cardinal wereforeign economic and foreign policy ties, including with Russia, have been improved and re-established. The cardinal paid great attention to improving the financial condition of the state, some taxes were abolished, and incentive laws were introduced.
Father Joseph
Overview of Richelieu's activities will not be complete without mentioning the figure of Father Joseph. Father Joseph is a Capuchin monk who wore the gray cloak of his order. He had great influence at court, without having any high spiritual dignity. Father Joseph was famous for helping Cardinal Richelieu in his political activities, becoming practically 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 "grey eminence" at court for his gray cloak. Thus, if the cardinal is a church title, then the "gray cardinal" is a collective image of the shadow ruler.
Currently, this is the name given to influential people, more often politicians, who do not have a position corresponding to their authority.
