College of Cardinals

American  

noun

1. the chief ecclesiastical body of the Roman Catholic Church, electing and advising the pope and comprising all of the cardinals of the church.

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College of Cardinals British  

noun

1. RC Church the collective body of cardinals having the function of electing and advising the pope

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Example Sentences

The conclave, which traditionally starts after a two-week mourning period, sees the College of Cardinals gather in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel to cast a series of votes to choose the next pope.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2025

This is when the College of Cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City for the conclave.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2025

At age 49 he will become the second-youngest member of the College of Cardinals when he is installed Sept. 30.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 30, 2023

Daily Il Fatto Quotidiano quoted an email from the dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Battista Re, to his colleagues saying Francis’ return to the Vatican was expected Thursday or Friday.

From Washington Times • Jun. 14, 2023

The Roman ecclesiastics recommended a candidate to the College of Cardinals; their choice had to be ratified by the populace of Rome, and, after that, the emperor must give his approval.

From History of the Intellectual Development of Europe, Volume I (of 2) Revised Edition by Draper, John William