Q. 1. What is a Cardinal Deacon?

A. 1. Cardinals Deacons hold the lowest of the ranks of Cardinals. Their ranks include officials of the Roman Curia, and theologians honored by the Pope for their contribution to the Church. In the early centuries there were 7 deacons who administered seven districts of the Roman diocese, as well as 7 deacons who assisted in the papal household. Although the rank of Cardinal Deacon numbers more than 14 today, they hold title as if assigned to a church in one of three deaconries of Rome. Cardinal Deacons may advance by promotion to the higher ranks of the College of Cardinals.