VATICAN (CNS): With a May 3 consistory to approve the canonisation of seven saints as a backdrop, eight cardinals moved from the rank of cardinal deacons to the rank of cardinal priests.
According to the Code of Canon Law, “through a choice made in consistory and approved by the Supreme Pontiff,” cardinals can move “from the diaconal order to another diaconia and if they have been in the diaconal order for 10 full years, even to the presbyteral order.”
The rankings have their roots in the ancient Church when cardinal deacons handled charitable and administrative activities in the pope’s name and cardinal priests led the most important parishes in the Diocese of Rome.
Today, most officials of the Roman Curia who become cardinals enter the college as cardinal deacons, while cardinals who head dioceses enter as cardinal priests.
The ranking and the date on which the individual entered the College of Cardinals determines seniority and their place in processions and seating arrangements.
Those who became cardinal priests at the consistory on May 3 were: Angelo Cardinal Amato, retired prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes;
Walter Cardinal Brandmüller, retired president of the Pontifical Committee for Historical Sciences; Raymond Cardinal Burke, patron of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta; Kurt Cardinal Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity; Francesco Cardinal Monterisi, retired archpriest of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls; Mauro Cardinal Piacenza, head of the Apostolic Penitentiary, a church court; Gianfranco Cardinal Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture; and Robert Cardinal Sarah, retired prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.
