Cardinal

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"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the armor of God, the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."

―A cardinal praying in St. Peter's Basilica.^[src]

A cardinal is a senior ecclesiastical member and usually an ordained bishop of the Catholic Church. Among the duties of cardinals is the election of the Pope when the seat becomes vacant, operating from the Vatican City. During the Renaissance, cardinals were easily recognizable by their red or white clothes and by their headwear, which included a scarlet galero, wide brimmed hat; a zucchetto, small skullcap; or a biretta, cap with four peaks.^[1]

Some of the most notable cardinals included Rodrigo and Cesare Borgia, who would later advance from their positions to become Pope and Captain General of the Church, respectively.^[2]

History[edit | edit source]

In the 15th and 16th centuries, certain cardinals were allied to the Borgia, and aided them in their control of Rome. In order to gain their support, Cesare Borgia paid for the appointment of several of them.^[2]

Among these Borgia allies were Juan Borgia, Cesare's personal banker and cousin,^[3] and a cardinal who acted as the contact between the Borgia and the Followers of Romulus.^[4]

Juan Borgia was appointed into his position as cardinal by his uncle, Pope Alexander VI. Upon being established as "the Banker," he paid for and managed the expenses of Cesare's military exploits.^[3] However, he was also corrupt and wasteful, using his resources to throw lavish Pagan parties. During one such celebration, he was assassinated by Ezio Auditore da Firenze.^[5]

A cardinal also relayed Borgia orders to the corrupt leaders of the Followers of Romulus, instructing them on how to control those under them. He also wrote sermons for the leaders to deliver, in order for the Pagan group to be manipulated, and terrorize the citizens of Rome for the Pope's gain.^[4]

This cardinal in particular showed skill in free-running and combat with a short blade, however, he was nonetheless assassinated by Ezio Auditore in the St. Peter's Basilica.^[4]

In 1503, upon his fall from power, Cesare attempted to rally aid from several cardinals, whose appointment he had previously paid for. However, they only said that they supported the election of the new Pope, Giuliano della Rovere, and that Borgia money had become tainted.^[6]

Trivia[edit | edit source]

Cesare's brother Juan wore the attire of a cardinal in Assassin's Creed: Ascendance, despite being Captain General at the time.
Cesare was made a cardinal at age 18, but he never wore the relative vestment in any Assassin's Creed media.
Some cardinals were shown to dislike the Borgia in the memory "A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing", opposing their tyranny and hoping that Ezio would free Rome from the Borgia's influence so that the Church could be restored to its former glory.
In Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy, Rodrigo Borgia is incorrectly depicted wearing the outfit of a cardinal instead of his Papal regalia in several memories, including "All Ears" in Italian Wars: Chapter 4 - Perotto Calderon and "Religion" in Rome: Chapter 2 - Giovanni Borgia.