angelo sodano was the dean of the college of cardinals.
angelo sodano was the dean of the college of cardinals.
who is the dean of the college of cardinals?
angelo sodano
on 18 april, the cardinals assembled in st. peter's basilica in the morning to concelebrate the mass "pro eligendo romano pontifice" (for the election of the roman pontiff). as dean of the college of cardinals, cardinal joseph ratzinger was the principal concelebrant. he chose to give the homily himself. in the afternoon, the cardinals assembled in the hall of blessings for the procession to the sistine chapel. the cardinals proceeded to the sistine chapel while the litany of saints was chanted. after taking their places the "veni creator spiritus" ("come, creator spirit") was sung. cardinal ratzinger read the oath. each cardinal elector beginning with ratzinger, followed by vice dean angelo sodano and the other cardinals in order of seniority, affirmed the oath by placing his hands on the book of the gospels saying aloud: "and i, [name], do so promise, pledge and swear. so help me god and these holy gospels which i touch with my hand."
2005 papal conclave
the dean presides over the college of cardinals, serving as "primus inter pares" in the college. he always holds the rank of cardinal bishop. the dean of the college of cardinals is assisted by the vice-dean; in those roles they act as the president and vice-president of the college respectively. both are elected by and from the cardinal bishops who are not eastern catholic patriarchs and their election is subject to papal confirmation. except for presiding, the dean and vice-dean have no power over the other cardinals. in the order of precedence in the catholic church as the senior cardinal bishops, the dean and vice-dean are placed second and third, respectively, after the pope.
dean of the college of cardinals