How Many Cardinals Are There in the Catholic Church?
1. The Flexible Number of Cardinals
The Catholic Church does not set a strict number of cardinals. Historically, the figure hovered around 70 to 80 members, but modern practice allows the pope to appoint more as needed. The number today varies depending on vacancies, retirements, and papal appointments.
Key points about the number of cardinals:
Not fixed – No absolute ceiling exists.
Historically stable – About 70–80 in earlier centuries.
Modern expansion – Greater numbers today, reflecting the global nature of the Catholic Church.
This flexibility allows the pope to ensure broader representation from different parts of the world.
2. Why the Number Varies
The number of cardinals in the Catholic Church varies for practical and theological reasons:
Advisory needs – Cardinals assist the pope in governing, and the size of this body adapts to the needs of the church.
Electoral function – Cardinals under the age of 80 vote in papal conclaves, so the number of electors can fluctuate as cardinals age.
Representation – The pope often appoints cardinals from different regions to highlight the worldwide scope of the church.
This variety underscores that the Catholic Church is not confined to Rome or Europe but spans the entire globe.
3. The Historical Development of the College of Cardinals
The office of cardinal developed gradually. In the earliest centuries, Christian leadership was centered on bishops, presbyters, and deacons (Philippians 1:1). The title “cardinal” emerged in the early Middle Ages as certain clergy in Rome were set apart for special roles.
Early roles – Cardinals originally referred to clergy attached to specific churches in Rome.
12th century – The College of Cardinals took shape as a distinct body of advisors to the pope.
Papal elections – By the Lateran councils, cardinals were established as the exclusive electors of the pope.
This development reflected the growing centralization of the Roman church, but also its effort to maintain unity in leadership.
4. The Role of Cardinals Today
Cardinals serve as the pope’s chief assistants and advisors. Their responsibilities include:
Leading Vatican offices (congregations and councils).
Governing major dioceses across the world.
Representing the church in international affairs.
Serving as an electoral college when a new pope must be chosen.
The most visible role of cardinals is during a conclave, where those under age 80 vote to elect the next pope. This process ensures continuity of leadership while expressing the global voice of the church.
5. Cardinals and Global Representation
Today, cardinals are drawn from diverse regions. Whereas earlier centuries saw nearly all cardinals from Europe, now they come from across the world. Members currently represent more than 30 nations, emphasizing the Catholic Church’s worldwide reach.
Europe – Still holds the largest share of cardinals.
Latin America – Reflects the majority of the world’s Catholics.
Africa and Asia – Growing influence with new appointments.
This diversity demonstrates the church’s intent to highlight that its leadership is not Western-only but universal (catholic in the truest sense).
6. Biblical Reflections on Church Leadership
Although the Bible does not mention cardinals, it speaks extensively about spiritual leadership.
Servants, not rulers – Jesus said, “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43).
Shepherding the flock – Peter exhorted elders to “shepherd the flock of God” (1 Peter 5:2).
Apostolic precedent – The apostles appointed leaders in every church (Acts 14:23), emphasizing order and oversight.
Christ as head – Above all, Jesus is “the head of the body, the church” (Colossians 1:18).
Cardinals, like bishops and pastors, are accountable to Christ, who is the true Shepherd. Their number may vary, but their calling remains to serve God’s people faithfully.
7. The Gospel and the Question of Cardinals
The question How many cardinals are there in the Catholic Church? reminds us of a deeper truth: the gospel is not dependent on the number of leaders but on the one Savior, Jesus Christ.
Leadership supports, but Christ saves – Human leaders may guide the church, but only Christ redeems.
Unity in diversity – Just as the College of Cardinals reflects global diversity, so too the gospel brings together people from every tribe and nation (Revelation 7:9).
Eschatological perspective – In the last days, leadership structures will pass away, but the kingdom of God will remain forever.
The gospel assures us that no matter how many cardinals there are, the true foundation of the church is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11).
Conclusion
So, How many cardinals are there in the Catholic Church? The answer is that there is no fixed number. Historically, there were about 70–80, but today the pope may appoint more, and the total varies. Cardinals serve as papal advisors, heads of major dioceses, and electors of the pope. Their global representation reflects the universality of the church.
Yet the number of cardinals is not ultimately what defines the church. The Bible teaches that Christ Himself is the head of His people. The gospel, not human office, is the true anchor of faith.
Bible Verses About Leadership in God’s People
Exodus 18:21 – “Look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy.”
Numbers 27:16–17 – “Let the Lord… appoint a man over the congregation.”
Psalm 78:72 – “With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.”
Matthew 20:26 – “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant.”
Matthew 28:18–19 – “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples.”
John 21:17 – “Feed my sheep.”
Acts 14:23 – “They appointed elders for them in every church.”
1 Timothy 3:1 – “If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.”
1 Peter 5:2 – “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you.”
Colossians 1:18 – “He is the head of the body, the church.”
