How to Address a Cardinal?

Question: Before the recent installation of the new archbishop of Johannesburg, I was told the correct form of his name and title is Stephen Cardinal Brislin, not Cardinal Stephen Brislin. Is that correct? Also, I thought when one becomes a cardinal, he moves to Rome. But Cardinal Brislin was transferred from Cape Town to Johannesburg.

Answer: The correct form to render the name of the new archbishop of Johannesburg is Cardinal Stephen Brislin. This is the proper form to use in any context.

The Stephen Cardinal Brislin sequence is also correct, but it is a rather archaic convention. It is typically used in formal contexts, in canon law and some liturgical texts, or by those who prefer a more formal or traditional style.

In this form, the use of the first name acknowledges the individual’s personal identity, while “Cardinal” serves as a reminder of his office within the Church, followed by the surname for proper identification.

Both versions are acceptable, and neither is disrespectful to the individual or his office.

On the subject of addressing cardinals, it is not mandatory to use the honorific “Your Eminence”. It is perfectly appropriate to address them simply as “Cardinal”.

As for the second question, most cardinals are or were residential bishops. Only a few, approximately 25, currently hold senior positions in the Roman Curia, which is the administrative body of the Church.

However, since the role of cardinals is to advise the pope — which was the original purpose of the College of Cardinals — each one is assigned a titular church in the diocese of Rome, even though they do not serve in that church directly. This symbolises their connection to the Roman Church and their role within the Church hierarchy. Cardinal Brislin’s titular church is Santa Maria Domenica Mazzarello, located in a northern suburb of Rome.

Cardinals are also appointed to various curial bodies in the Vatican, which may require frequent travel. For example, Cardinal Brislin is a member of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.

Asked and answered in the April 2025 issue of The Southern Cross magazine