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cardinal deacon

Roman Catholic clergy

Quick Summary

A cardinal deacon is a member of the third order of cardinals and the titular chief officer of a Roman deaconry. The term is a translation of the Medieval Latin diaconus cardinalis. This differs from a cardinal dean, who is the senior cardinal bishop of the college of cardinals at Rome.12

A deacon, from the Greek word for "helper," is a member of the lowest rank in the threefold Christian ministry, below a priest and bishop. Historically, deacons assisted with practical and charitable functions within the Christian community. In the Roman Catholic Church, the permanent diaconate was revived by the Second Vatican Council, allowing married men to serve as deacons with responsibilities such as administering baptism and distributing communion. The senior cardinal deacon of the Roman Catholic Church makes the public announcement of a new pope.3

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