The world was stunned on Monday morning with the news of the death of Pope Francis, marking the end of an era in the Catholic Church. However, as the faithful began processing the loss, another figure stepped into the spotlight, ready to take on one of the most significant roles in the Vatican: Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the acting pope, or *camerlengo*, in the period following the pope’s death until a new pontiff is elected.
Cardinal Farrell, an Irish-American church leader, was the one to break the news of Pope Francis’ passing, a moment that would mark the beginning of his crucial role in overseeing the Vatican during this period of transition. Farrell had been nominated for the position of *camerlengo* by Pope Francis back in 2019, a role that he will hold until the election of a new pope, ensuring the continuity of church governance during this time of mourning and change.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1947, Kevin Farrell has spent over three decades working in the church, primarily in the United States. After completing his studies at the University of Salamanca in Spain and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Farrell began his career in the Catholic Church as a chaplain in Monterrey, Mexico, and later served in Bethesda, Maryland. He would go on to hold a variety of roles in church leadership, gaining widespread recognition and influence.
Farrell was appointed the Bishop of Dallas in 2007, a pivotal role that brought him into the spotlight in the U.S. church. However, his global prominence grew when Pope Francis invited him to Rome in 2016, asking him to lead the Vatican’s newly established department for the pastoral care of families. This marked the beginning of his rise within the Vatican ranks, and just a few years later, in 2019, he was named the *camerlengo* of the Holy Roman Church by Pope Francis.
In 2023, Farrell’s influence within the Vatican grew further when he was named president of the Supreme Court of Vatican City State and president of the Commission for Confidential Matters. His steady rise in the Vatican hierarchy, culminating in his current role, demonstrates both Pope Francis’ trust in Farrell and his recognition of his leadership skills.
The camerlengo plays a critical role in the period following the death or resignation of a pope, a time known as the Apostolica Sedes Vacans (the vacant apostolic seat). During this period, the camerlengo is tasked with overseeing the operations of the Vatican, managing its administration, and preparing for the election of a new pope.
Farrell’s main responsibilities as camerlengo include organizing the conclave, the sacred gathering of cardinals who will elect the new pope. Though he holds a key position in the Vatican, the camerlengo does not automatically become the next pope. However, the role has a historical precedent for producing popes, with two camerlengos—Gioacchino Pecci (Pope Leo XIII) in 1878 and Eugenio Pacelli (Pope Pius XII) in 1939—rising to the papacy after their time in office.
Beyond his administrative duties, Farrell’s role will also involve presiding over the somber and sacred rituals surrounding Pope Francis’ death. As camerlengo, he will be responsible for certifying the pope’s death and ensuring that all necessary steps are taken in preparation for the funeral and the transition of power.
One of Farrell’s most immediate tasks is overseeing the funeral rites for Pope Francis. According to the centuries-old traditions of the Catholic Church, the *camerlengo* will lead a procession that will move the pope’s body from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica. The public will have an opportunity to mourn as the body lies in state, allowing millions of faithful around the world to pay their respects to the late pontiff.
The Vatican has also indicated that the camerlengo will preside over the certification of Pope Francis’ death, which involves confirming the pope’s passing in a formal ceremony. Afterward, the body will be placed in a coffin, and the funeral procession will take place, marking the official mourning period for the Catholic Church.
Cardinal Farrell, along with other key church officials, will oversee the final stages of Pope Francis’ reign, guiding the Vatican through its transitional period. This is no small task, as the church begins the process of selecting a new leader.
Following the period of mourning, the Vatican will prepare for the election of the next pope, which will take place in a secret conclave of cardinals. During the conclave, the cardinals will cast votes in order to select the successor to Pope Francis. Farrell, as camerlengo, will be responsible for managing the conclave’s proceedings, which are shrouded in secrecy.
The process of electing a pope has been a key aspect of the Vatican’s centuries-old traditions, with the cardinals gathering in the Sistine Chapel to choose the leader of the Catholic Church. The election is carried out through a series of votes, and a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority to be selected as the next pope. Once elected, the new pope will be introduced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the start of a new era for the Catholic Church.
As the world waits for the next pope to be elected, Cardinal Farrell will be at the center of the Vatican’s leadership during this difficult time. His leadership will be tested as he navigates the complexities of both mourning Pope Francis’ death and preparing for the election of a new pope.
Farrell’s role as camerlengo is steeped in tradition, but it also comes with great responsibility. The Vatican, the heart of the Catholic Church, will look to him for steady leadership as the church transitions to its next chapter. His leadership will be crucial in ensuring that the election process runs smoothly, that the mourning period is respectful, and that the faith of millions of Catholics around the world remains strong during this time of change.
The death of Pope Francis represents a significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church, and as Cardinal Kevin Farrell takes on his role as *camerlengo*, he will play a pivotal part in guiding the Vatican through the period of transition. While Farrell’s time as *camerlengo* may be temporary, his leadership during this time will shape the future of the Catholic Church as it looks to elect a new pope.
The world waits with anticipation as the Vatican prepares for the conclave that will determine the next leader of one of the world’s oldest and most influential institutions. In the meantime, Cardinal Farrell will continue to serve as a steady hand during a time of profound loss and change, keeping the Vatican’s affairs in order until the new pope is chosen.
