The College of Cardinals plays a vital role in the Catholic Church, especially during the election of a new Pope. Here's a breakdown of their responsibilities, composition, and the process they follow:

Role and Responsibilities

• Electing the Pope: The primary duty of the College of Cardinals is to elect the Roman Pontiff 1 2.
• Advising the Pope: Cardinals serve as key advisors to the Pope in governing the universal Church 2 1. They assist the Pope both collegially, when summoned to address major issues, and individually, through various offices, particularly in the daily care of the Church 1.
• Double Dimension: The College of Cardinals embodies the dual nature of the Church, being both local (Roman) and universal 3. The Cardinals are closely linked to the clergy of Rome and represent the universal Church, coming from different continents 4.

Composition of the College

• Members: The College of Cardinals consists of members appointed by the Pope 4.
• Origin: Historically, the College was composed of priests and deacons from the Church of Rome, as well as bishops from suburbicarian dioceses 5.
• Internationalization: Over time, the College has become increasingly international, reflecting the global nature of the Church 3.
• Maximum Number: The maximum number of Cardinal electors is 120 4 6.

Requirements and Considerations

• Age Limit for Electors: Cardinals who have reached the age of 80 before the day the Apostolic See becomes vacant do not participate in the election of the Pope 4 6. However, they can still attend the preparatory meetings before the Conclave 4.
• Other Requirements: Nominees should possess the qualifications of a bishop and generally be at least 30 years old 7. Cardinal-deacons only need to be 22 years old, but must receive deacon's orders within a year or lose their active and passive vote 7.

Process During Vacancy of the Apostolic See

• Ordinary Business: During the vacancy of the Apostolic See, the College of Cardinals is responsible for governing the Church solely for ordinary business and matters that cannot be postponed 8.
• Exclusions: They must exclude any matters that fall under the power of the Roman Pontiff alone or concern the norms for the election of the new Pope 8.
• Congregations: The Cardinals hold General Congregations in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican (or another suitable location) 9. The Dean of the College (or Subdean) presides over these congregations. If neither can preside, the senior Cardinal elector takes over 9.
• Convocation: The Cardinal Dean, or another Cardinal in his name, convokes the Cardinal electors for the election of the new Pope 10 11. They are required to obey this announcement, under holy obedience, and proceed to the designated place unless hindered by illness or another grave impediment 10 11.

In summary, the College of Cardinals is central to the Catholic Church's governance and succession. Its members are tasked with electing the Pope and advising him on important matters. The composition of the College reflects the Church's universal character, and its operations during the vacancy of the Apostolic See are governed by specific rules and procedures.