What is the difference between an archbishop and a cardinal?
The short answer
An archbishop usually heads a major metropolitan archdiocese and may also be a cardinal. A cardinal is a member of the College of Cardinals and is usually a bishop. A cardinal who is not already a bishop must be ordained one, but that rule can be dispensed — so a priest or even a layman could be a cardinal.
Archbishop
An archbishop is usually the bishop of a major metropolitan archdiocese. He may also be a cardinal.
Cardinal
A cardinal is a member of the College of Cardinals and, under current requirements, is usually a bishop. A cardinal who is not yet a bishop is supposed to be ordained to the episcopate, but this can be dispensed. With permission, a priest or a layman could be a cardinal.
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