1. A consistory
The Code of Canon Law, reformed in 1983, lays out two forms of consistory: ordinary and extraordinary. An extraordinary consistory is celebrated in particular cases, and all the cardinals are called to take part in it.
An ordinary consistory takes place when the pope needs the cardinals’ counsel on some important issues or to give solemnity to the pope’s decision, such as the creation of new cardinals or the approval of the canonisation of saints.
• New cardinals make a profession of faith and receive the zucchetto and biretta from the pope
• will be assigned to titular churches in the diocese of Rome or a deaconry
• receive the cardinal’s ring as a sign of his deeper responsibility, pastoral ministry and close communion with the pope.
2. The duties of a cardinal
• Cardinal-bishops and cardinal-deacons are based in the Vatican, serving in pontifical ministries
• Cardinal-priests are pastors of dioceses around the world and are also members of some pontifical ministries.
3. Why do cardinals wear red?
Red is a “sign of the dignity of the cardinalate and signifies their readiness to act with courage, even to the shedding of their blood, for the increase of the Christian faith, for the peace and tranquillity of the people of God and for the freedom and growth of the Holy Roman Church.”
4. Age limit of a cardinal
• Cardinals at the age of 80 or above are ineligible to elect new pope in the conclave, and are no longer members of any pontifical ministry.
• Those who have reached the age of 75 shall no longer be in charge of a pontifical ministry
• Among the youngest cardinals created by Pope Francis is Italian, Giorgio Cardinal Marengo, the apostolic prefect of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, who was created a cardinal at the age of 48 during the eighth consistory in 2021.
5. Cardinals in the Diocese of Hong Kong
John Baptist Cardinal Wu Cheng-chung, who passed away in 2002, was appointed a cardinal-priest in 1988.
Joseph Cardinal Zen Ze-kiun, was appointed as cardinal-priest in 2006.
John Cardinal Tong Hon, was appointed as cardinal-priest in 2012.
Bishop Stephen Chow Sau Yan, sj, was appointed as cardinal-priest in 2023.
Reference: Hong Kong Diocesan Liturgy Commission
• Priests or bishops who have made outstanding contributions in academic and ecclesiastical endeavours
