What is a cardinal-nephew?
Q: What is a cardinal-nephew?
A: A cardinal-nephew is a pope's relative, specifically a nephew, who was raised to the rank of cardinal.
Q: When did the practice of creating cardinal-nephews originate?
A: The practice of creating cardinal-nephews originated in the Middle Ages.
Q: Was the office of cardinal-nephew an important position in the Roman Catholic Church?
A: Yes, the office of cardinal-nephew was an important position in the Curia of the Roman Catholic Church before 1692.
Q: What happened to the office of cardinal-nephew after the death of a pope?
A: After the death of the reigning pope, the office of cardinal-nephew was vacated.
Q: What was the role of the pope's cardinal-nephew?
A: The pope's cardinal-nephew was his chief assistant and confident, and was expected to act as if he were a relative of the pope.
Q: Why was the office of cardinal-nephew banned after 1692?
A: The office of cardinal-nephew was banned by Pope Innocent XII in Romanum decet pontificem in 1692.
Q: Who currently fills the role and function of the former cardinal-nephew position?
A: The role and function of the former cardinal-nephew position is now filled by the Vatican's Secretary of State.
