Kwalejin Cardinals tana nufin ƙungiyar manyan bishops na Roman Katolika da limaman coci waɗanda Paparoma ya naɗa don su ba shi shawara da kuma shiga cikin harkokin mulkin Cocin. Kalmar “koleji” ta fito ne daga kalmar Latin “collegium,” wanda ke nufin ƙungiyar mutane masu aiki ko manufa ɗaya. Kwalejin Cardinals na taka muhimmiyar rawa wajen zaben sabon Paparoma, domin su ne suke taruwa domin kada kuri'a a babban taro bayan mutuwar Paparoma ko ya yi murabus.