Cardinals are the Pope’s special Roman clergy. Historically they were the deacons and priests of diaconal and presbyteral “titles” (parishes) of Rome, while the cardinal bishops were bishops of little dioceses nearby. The College of Cardinals is still divided into the three orders of bishop, priest and deacon. Cardinals these days are nearly always consecrated bishops, but they still fall into these orders depending on which cardinalatial title they receive.
The new Cardinals will need their own titular churches in Rome. The titles will be released close to the consistory itself.
Usually when men are made Cardinal they receive a presbyteral title if they are diocesan bishops somewhere. They become Cardinal priests. Men who are in the Roman Curia are given diaconal titles as Cardinal deacons. Men are raised to be Cardinal bishop if they come, for example, to be Prefect of one of the most important Congregations, such as the “Suprema” (CDF).
Eventually, each Cardinal must go to take possession of his titular church, which he does accompanied by an special “notary” monsignor as a witness for the papal household.
Right now there are 33 titular churches vacant in Rome.
I an assuming His Future Eminence Raymond S.R.E. future-Card. Burke will be appointed to a diaconal title. He was a diocesan bishop, but is not now.
Here are diaconal titles that are open, among them some of Rome’s most ancient churches:
- S. Agata de’ Goti
- S. Anselmo all’Aventino
- S. Maria in Aquiro
- S. Maria in Cosmedin
- SS. Nome di Gesù e Maria in Via Lata
- S. Teodoro
- Ss. Vito, Modesto e Crescenzia
It should be interesting to see how this goes.
