In the Catholic religion, what is the title of the church official ranking just below the pope?

In the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, the officials with the highest rank after the pope are the members of the College of Cardinals. Often called "Princes of the Church," these senior leaders are personally appointed by the reigning pontiff to serve as his closest counselors. Their duties are twofold: they advise the pope on Church matters when called upon, and they often lead prominent archdioceses around the world or manage the major administrative departments of the Holy See.

Their most critical and well-known responsibility, however, is to elect a new pope. When a pope dies or resigns, the cardinals under the age of 80 gather in a papal conclave to choose a successor from among their own ranks. This makes their position absolutely essential to the governance and continuity of the Church.

The title itself is derived from the Latin word *cardo*, meaning "hinge," which signifies their pivotal role as the foundation (Review) upon which the Church's structure turns. The distinctive scarlet robes they wear are also deeply symbolic, representing their willingness to shed their blood for their faith.