How did Catholic cardinal get their name?

Answer 1

The word "cardinal" is a derivitive of the Latin word "cardo" which means pivot (especially a door hinge). There were three types of cardinals, cardinal deacons, cardinal priests, and cardinal bishops. In the beginning, all priests and deacons given permanent assignments at parishes were called cardinal deacons or cardinal priests. This was because they were figuratively "attached" to their parish as a door is attached to a building. Each diocese had a cardinal priest and cardinal deacon who was the highest ranking priest and deacon in the diocese. They helped the bishop of the diocese. In Rome, cardinal bishops were given permanent assignments at churches within Rome. These cardinal bishops assisted the Pope. Eventually, the word "cardinal" changed from being used as an adjective to being used as a noun. Today, all cardinals must be bishops, but a couple of priests such as Avery Cardinal Dulles, and Albert Cardinal Vanhoye were dispensed from the requirement upon their request. The terms cardinal deacon, cardinal priest, and cardinal bishop remain, but they refer primarily to the type of work done by the cardinal. Cardinal bishops all work in Rome as senior Vatican officials. There can only be 6 cardinal bishops at one time. Cardinal priests are assigned as active bishops leading dioceses. Cardinal deacons also work in Rome as heads of Vatican offices. After 10 years cardinal deacon can ask to be elevated to the rank of cardinal priest.