Abstract
In the context of evolution of the papal elections, the electoral decree of Pope Nicholas II In nomine Domini is essential. It initiated dominant position of the College of Cardinals in the selection of the new head of the Catholic Church and, as a result, it reduced interventions of the laity in the election process.
It declared the ideal of papal election as an internal church affair and became one of the symbols of the Gregorian papacy. This study focuses on an essential element of the above-mentioned regulation of election, namely the role of the College of Cardinals headed by Cardinals-bishops.
Based on an analysis of original texts, the article tries to determine their position and importance at the moment of publication of the electoral decree and to confront their role with later development.