cardinalate

[kahr-dn-l-eyt]

noun

Roman Catholic Church.

1. the body of cardinals.

2. the office, rank, or dignity of a cardinal.

cardinalate

/ ˈkɑːdɪnəˌleɪt /

noun

1. the rank, office, or term of office of a cardinal

2. the cardinals collectively

Word History and Origins

Origin of cardinalate¹

First recorded in 1635–45; cardinal + -ate ³

Example Sentences

Renouncing the rights of the cardinalate is especially rare.

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In the one-sentence announcement, the Holy See said only that Francis had accepted Becciu’s resignation as prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints “and his rights connected to the cardinalate.”

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In 1917, the Holy See changed canon law, restricting the cardinalate to the ordained.

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Pope Francis accepted his resignation from the cardinalate and has ordered his suspension from the exercise of any public ministry.”

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About the middle of the century, the merits of the Inquisitor Nicholas Roselli earned him the cardinalate.

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Related Words

• priesthood