Page:On papal conclaves (IA a549801700cartuoft).djvu/133



EFORE proceeding to actual business, the Cardinals go through the formality of proving their identity and right to attend Conclave. In reality, this is nothing more than a form glibly run through, for there can be no danger of personation in this small constituency. But this ceremony affords the opportunity of saying a few words on a point about which, more than on any other connected with Roman ceremonial, there prevails misapprehension—the real nature and position of a Cardinal. That laymen can be made Cardinals is generally known, but much confusion of ideas exists on the nature of the Cardinalitian dignity, and of the difference of standing between Cardinals with and without orders. The Sacred College, according to a rule in force since 1585, is fixed at seventy members—divided into six Cardinal Bishops, fifty Cardinal