A
Allyson
Guest
I know that this has been pointed out, but perhaps a bit of clarification might help.and if the lay cardinals are powerless so, what are their responsibility in the hierarchy??
The honorary title Cardinal is not with in the governing hierarchy of the Church. It is similar to a priest receiving the honorary title Monsignor. However, having the honorary title of Cardinal does bring the honoree one active role within the Church provided they are below 75 or 80 (I don’t remember the exact age, but I am pretty sure it is 80). They elect the Pope, but they do nothing else to govern the Church by virtue of being a Cardinal. Cardinals do not occupy a position between the Pope and Bishops, because some are Bishops, Priests, and some are Laymen. It is primarily an honorary title.
FYI: Earlier in the thread you said something to the effect that a Patriarch is “below the Pope.” It is better to say that they are with the Pope or even better in mind, in communion with the Pope. There are many people who find “below the Pope” a problematic formulation.
God Bless