Definition

1. Noun:
   • The College of Cardinals: In the Roman Catholic Church, this is the collective body of all cardinals. Its primary functions are to advise the Pope on church governance and to convene in a papal conclave to elect a new Pope upon the death or resignation of the previous one.

Usage

• The term is used as a proper noun, often capitalized, to refer to this specific ecclesiastical institution.
• It functions as a singular collective noun, taking a singular verb (e.g., "The College of Cardinals is...").

Examples

• Noun:
  • The College of Cardinals will meet in a conclave to elect the next Pope.
  • The Pope frequently consults with the College of Cardinals on important matters of doctrine.

Advanced Usage

• "To be elevated to the College of Cardinals": To be appointed as a cardinal and thus become a member of this body.
  • The archbishop was elevated to the College of Cardinals in last year's consistory.

Variants and Related Words

• Cardinal (n): A high-ranking official in the Roman Catholic Church, appointed by the Pope, and a member of the College of Cardinals.
  • Cardinal Dolan is a prominent member of the College of Cardinals.
• Conclave (n): The private meeting of the College of Cardinals held to elect a new Pope.
  • The College of Cardinals entered the conclave.
• Consistory (n): A formal meeting of the College of Cardinals, often called by the Pope.
  • The Pope announced new appointments during a consistory of the College of Cardinals.

Synonyms

• Sacred College: A formal, traditional synonym for the College of Cardinals.
  • The Sacred College gathered in Rome.

Related Phrases

• "Member of the College of Cardinals": A phrase specifying an individual cardinal's institutional affiliation.
  • As a member of the College of Cardinals, he has a vote in the papal election.

Noun

1. (Roman Catholic Church) the body of cardinals who advise the Pope and elect new Popes