The Dean of the College of Cardinals , Cardinal Dean ( Latin: Decanus Sacrum Cardinalium Collegium ), until 1983 the Dean of the Holy College of Cardinals is the head of the College of Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church , and also always the cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church of the Episcopal dignity . The dean of the collegium, according to canon law, leads the collegium, but does not have the power to manage other cardinals and is considered "first among equals" ( lat. Primi inter pares ). There are no age restrictions for the deans of the college. From the moment of election, the dean is obliged to reside permanently in Rome .
Content
History
From the middle of the XII century to the middle of the XX century , the cardinal became the dean of the college, who was the longest in the rank of cardinal bishop of one of the suburbic dioceses . In 1917, this traditional provision became a requirement of canon law.
In 1965, Pope Paul VI in motu proprio Cardinalium consilio abolished this order and authorized the six cardinal bishops to elect a new dean, as well as his deputy, the subdean from among them. The election (formally before the time of John Paul II ) was to be confirmed by the pope.
Status
According to paragraph 4 of Article 350 of the Code of Canon Law , the Cardinal Dean has the “dignity of the diocese of Ostia , together with that of any other church to which he already has dignity”; that is, he joins the title of bishop of Ostia to his former title of bishop of the suburbic diocese. This order was introduced in 1914 , earlier, starting from 1150, the deans left their previous diocese.
Responsibilities
Particular responsibilities are assigned to the dean of the college, mainly during the “ Sede Vacante ” period and during the time of the Conclave , who elects the new Pope:
- Officially notifies diplomats of foreign powers of the death of the Pope.
- During the “Sede Vacante” period collects cardinals on the conclave.
- Manages the election process.
- After the election of the new Pope, he asks him if the newly elected person agrees to accept the ministry of the pontiff and what name he chooses for himself.
- If the chosen Pope is not a bishop, performs episcopal ordination over him. (Article 355 of the Code of Canon Law).
If the dean of the collegium at the time of the conclave is over 80 years old and does not have the right to participate in it (and also if he is incapable for any reason), his functions on the conclave are performed by his deputy - Subdecan of the collegium; if they both crossed the age threshold for participation in the conclave, the oldest cardinal by appointment ( motu proprio of Pope Paul VI of November 21, 1970 ).
Historical Precedents and the Current Situation
The eight deans of the College of Cardinals were elected Pope: Anastasius IV , Lucius III , Gregory IX , Alexander IV , Alexander VI , Paul III , Paul IV and Benedict XVI . Moreover, Benedict XVI was elected as dean 450 years after the election of Paul IV.
Since April 27, 2005, the dean of the College of Cardinals is Cardinal Angelo Sodano , former Secretary of State of the Holy See ; Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals since June 10, 2017 - Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re .
See also
- Vice Dean of the College of Cardinals
- List of Deans of the College of Cardinals
- List of vice deans of the College of Cardinals
Links
- Kardinaldekan auf relilex.de
- College of Cardinals gcatholic.org