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02-26-2016, 01:39 PM
(This post was last modified: 02-26-2016, 01:41 PM by NH watcher.)
Catholic Cardinals are appointed by the Pope himself, and only Cardinals are eligible to vote and possibly become Pope, upon the death or resignation of a Pope. Cardinals, though, once they pass age 75, remain Cardinals, but can no longer vote for Pope, or be eligible to become Pope. Cardinals traditionally wear their red hats and vestments; the Pope wearing all white.
When in Rome, Cardinals often stay at the Vatican's official guest house, Casa Santa Maria, which is where Pope Francis was staying prior to his election ... and then decided to stay in the guest house permanently, rejecting a move to the grander Papal Apartments within the Vatican.
So, you probably saw inside Casa Santa Maria ... since Pope Francis lives there now, and conducts the majority of his business there while in residence at the Vatican; he would then presumably decide on new Cardinal appointments there. Cardinals are elevated Bishops within the Catholic Church; the Pope himself, is also considered the Bishop of Rome.
When in Rome, Cardinals often stay at the Vatican's official guest house, Casa Santa Maria, which is where Pope Francis was staying prior to his election ... and then decided to stay in the guest house permanently, rejecting a move to the grander Papal Apartments within the Vatican.
So, you probably saw inside Casa Santa Maria ... since Pope Francis lives there now, and conducts the majority of his business there while in residence at the Vatican; he would then presumably decide on new Cardinal appointments there. Cardinals are elevated Bishops within the Catholic Church; the Pope himself, is also considered the Bishop of Rome.