What role do cardinals have in the Roman Catholic Church?

Cardinals play a crucial role in the governance of the Roman Catholic Church, particularly when it comes to electing a new pope. This group of senior church officials is typically selected from among bishops and archbishops, and they collectively form the College of Cardinals. When a pope passes away or resigns, the cardinals convene in a conclave to vote for the new pope. This responsibility underscores their importance within the leadership structure of the church.

While cardinals may also engage in other aspects of church life, such as overseeing certain dioceses or conducting liturgical ceremonies, their most significant and distinctive function is indeed participating in papal elections. This role not only emphasizes their elevated status but also their influence in shaping the future direction of the Roman Catholic Church.