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In PectoreIn Pectore, meaning in the breast, is a Latin term used within Roman Catholicism to refer to the ability of a pope to name secret cardinals whose names are not revealed and whose identities are therefore known only to the pope ("in his breast"), to those thus selected, and (in accordance with doctrine), to the Almighty. Among the reasons popes may keep cardinals' identities secret are - their personal safety, when they live under regimes hostile to Catholicism, Christianity, or religion in general.
- the safety of their community, when it is feared that the public naming of a cardinal may lead to discrimination or hostility against Christians in general and Catholics in particular.
Among areas where in pectore cardinals are believed in the past to have been named are Mainland China and, before the collapse of the Iron Curtain, in Eastern Europe. In pectore cardinals are eligible to participate in Papal conclaves only if they are publicly named by the Pope before his death. If he does not reveal their names, their cardinalate ceases upon the appointing pontiff's death. Pope John Paul II named four cardinals in pectore. The names of all but one of them have been revealed: External link
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