What is a titular church?

During the third and fourth centuries, as regions of Rome were divided into ecclesiastical districts, the word "titulus" referred to the early Christian churches located around Rome. "Titular" denoted the name of the founder or proprietor who held property for the Universal Church. Today, the granting of a titular church signifies the bond of unity between a particular local church and the Church of Rome. The patronal relationship of a Cardinal Priest to his titular church includes the inscription of his name and coat of arms on a plaque within the church, in addition to maintenance and restoration responsibility.

What is a Cardinal Priest?

There are three orders within the College of Cardinals: Cardinal Bishop, Cardinal Priest, and Cardinal Deacon. Cardinal Bishops are those who serve as prefects of Vatican congregations, such as the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Cardinal Priests serve as metropolitan archbishops. The lowest ranking cardinals, Cardinal Deacons, are either officials of the Roman Curia or theologians who have been honored by the pope for their contribution to the Church.