I just can't figure why they use it only for Cardinals. If they're going to use "CARDINAL" in between the first name and last name, at least be consistent and use that structure for all religious titles. I've never heard of a Catholic deacon, priest, monsignor, bishop, archbishop, pope, etc., use his title between his first and last names. I can tell you that if I was Pope, I'd change the form of address and the "Francis Cardinal George" stuff would be the first thing to go, I'd always have it written as "Cardinal Francis George". As it currently stands, now "either version" is correct for addressing a Cardinal.
I suppose Alfred LORD Tennyson would be an good example of it used elsewhere, but it really sounds awkward in most circumstances... imagine Ruth Doctor Westheimer? ;-)