Cardinal-nephew facts for kids

A cardinal-nephew (called cardinalis nepos in Latin) was a special helper to the Catholic Church's leader. This person was usually the pope's nephew or another close relative. They were given the important job of a cardinal.

This practice started a long time ago, during the Middle Ages. The cardinal-nephew acted as the pope's main assistant and trusted advisor. They were expected to be like a family member, and often, they truly were part of the pope's family.

This special role was part of the Curia, which is like the government of the Roman Catholic Church. When a pope died, the job of cardinal-nephew would become empty.

In 1692, Pope Innocent XII decided to stop this practice. He issued a rule called Romanum decet pontificem that officially ended the role of cardinal-nephew. Today, the job of the pope's chief helper is handled by the Vatican's Secretary of State.

Famous Cardinal-Nephews

Many cardinal-nephews became very important people. Some even went on to become popes themselves! Here are a few examples:

• Gregory IX
• Alexander IV
• Adrian V
• Gregory XI
• Boniface IX
• Innocent VII
• Eugene IV
• Paul II
• Alexander VI
• Pius III
• Julius II
• Leo X
• Clement VII
• Benedict XIII
• Pius VII

Images for kids

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  Pietro Ottoboni was the last person to be named a cardinal-nephew.

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  During the Avignon Papacy (1309–1377), many cardinal-nephews were appointed.

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  Pope Pius V officially created the office of Cardinal Nephew in 1566.

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  Pope Innocent X appointed relatives of his sister-in-law, Olimpia Maidalchini, as cardinal-nephews.

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  Pope Gregory XV with his cardinal-nephew, Ludovico Ludovisi, who had a lot of power and wealth.

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  Pope Innocent XII ended the role of the Cardinal Nephew in 1692. He made the job of the Cardinal Secretary of State stronger instead.

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  Pope Leo X with his cousins, Giulio de' Medici (who later became Pope Clement VII) and Luigi de' Rossi. He made both of them cardinals.

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  Ippolito de' Medici, a cardinal-nephew of Pope Clement VII.

See also

In Spanish: Cardenal nepote para niños