Jim; you may not be far off the truth  .. but in reality ? Cardinals do not need to be ordained; they are an advisory group close to the the pope and have a vote in the papal election, until they reach their 80th year. Mary currently meets both requirements and has been studying Canon Law in Rome since completing thirteen years as President of Ireland.  Her background was obviously the crucible of her mindset. To state a fact; she has been more than challenging to the hierarchy and the Vatican. As a Professor of Criminal Law, and a Canon Lawyer, she would be more than a match to tease out the detail with the Vatican.

You are obviously familiar with all of that but I just thought I might help out those not familiar with our Mary. She is a force to be reckoned with and could not be viewed as a shy lady.