Cardinal protector.

About Cardinal protector

Since the thirteenth century it has been customary for the pope to assign to a particular prelate, and since 1420 to one with the rank of cardinal, a special responsibility in the Roman Curia for the interests of a given religious order or institute, confraternity, church, college, city, nation, etc. Such a person is known as a "cardinal protector". He was its representative or spokesman (orator) when it sought a favor or a privilege, defended it when unjustly accused, and sought the aid of the Holy See when its rights, property or interests were violated or imperiled. The cardinal protector was a position with an extensive juridical responsibility that gave the cardinal ample powers.