Beyond Belief

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Series exploring the place and nature of faith in today's world

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Beyond Belief: The College of Cardinals

The College of Cardinals

BBC Radio 4 - Beyond Belief, The College of Cardinals

What is the role of the College of Cardinals in the Catholic Church?

Series exploring the place and nature of faith in today's world. Producer: Helen Lee

For over 1000 years, the College of Cardinals has been responsible for electing the Pope. The Papal Conclave is always conducted in private and very little was known about how its members actually make their final choice for the role of Pontiff. But in recent years, the secrets of the Conclave have begun to leak out and public interest in its inner workings has been piqued by bestselling authors Dan Brown and Robert Harris who have featured the College of Cardinals in novels read by millions. Ernie Rea takes a look at the College of Cardinals. How influential are they outside the Vatican, what do they do in Conclave and how can a Pope influence the choice of his successor by deciding who should become a cardinal.

Producer: Helen Lee
Assistant Producer: Julian Paszkiewicz

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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