.
Where does he get this?
�Theologically and theoretically, it is possible,� he added. �Being a cardinal is one of those roles in the church for which, theoretically, you do not have to be ordained but to move from there to suggesting the pope will name women cardinals for the next consistory is not remotely realistic."
Has there ever been a cardinal who wasn't first a bishop?
Yes. There have been many cardinals who were mere priests or deacons, for example, John Henry Newman. There have even been some lay men who were appointed as cardinals, but to my knowledge they were all ordained at least a deacon after their appointment.
We have to remember, the College of Cardinals, as venerable and ancient an institution as it is, is
not divinely established. Only the orders of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons are divinely established, and the Sacrament of Holy Orders is only conferred upon men who are elevated to one or more of those dignities.
The College of Cardinals is man-made institution, which originally consisted of certain members of the Roman clergy, who served the Pope. Eventually, the College was given the task of electing the Pope. Because it is a man-made institution, is
theoretically possible that a woman could be appointed to it, but it does seem highly unlikely.
To be clear, I am not advocating for women in the College of Cardinals, and I think it is a terrible mistake to even suggest it.