Why do cardinals wear red

This edited article about Roman Catholicism originally appeared in Look and Learn issue number published on 22 October On ceremonial occasions, the Pope is preceded in procession by the cardinals, resplendent in their red robes.

The Pope is borne along on his throne by the Papal Guards, and thousands of people throng the route to see the Pope and receive his blessing. Cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church are like princes in a kingdom. They make up what is known as the Sacred College of Cardinals. Black: Used in Masses for the dead as a sign of mourning. It is the color of clerical garb in everyday life. We'll notify you here with news about. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest?

Comments 0. Top Stories. Contribute to this story: Send a Correction. Read next:. Embed this post. Your Email. Recipient's Email. Your Feedback. Your Email optional. Report a Comment. Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please select your reason for reporting Please give full details of the problem with the comment Read Next:.

Trending Opinions. Cathal Crowe: We need substitute teachers, so why not use teaching students to fill the gap? Opinion: 'My prostate cancer diagnosis whipped up an emotional whirlpool that spun me around' Stephen McIntyre As part of the Movember campaign, Stephen McIntyre shares his story of diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer.

Over the centuries, the red galero was restricted to use by individual cardinals while such other colors as green and violet were reserved to clergy of other ranks and styles. Cardinals primarily wear one of three different types. The most basic hat is a skullcap called the zucchetto pl. Next is the collapsible biretta, a taller, square-ridged cap with three peaks on top. The skull cap, or zucchetto, was originally used by clergy members hundreds of years ago because when they took a vow of celibacy, a ring of hair was cut off their heads.

The skull caps were used to cover that part of the head to retain body heat. Now it's an obligatory part of the Papal garb. In the Catholic Church, archbishops and bishops rank below cardinals. Becoming a bishop is the third and fullest level of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. The first level is the ordination of a deacon, the second is the ordination of a priest, and the third is the ordination of a bishop. Tending to over one billion Catholics today it's no surprise that being Pope comes with an immense bout of responsibility.

Most Popes are prepared for this as most are cardinals before they are elected. This means the simple answer to this article's question is no, Popes do not marry. The official reason why Catholic cardinals wear red robes is that the color signifies the blood of Christ.