Cardinal Kevin Farrell: The Vatican's Acting Head During Transitional Times

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Irish-American who has become the acting head of the Vatican after the death of Pope Francis, holds significant responsibilities during this transitional period, from running the conclave to overseeing mourning ceremonies.

As the world grapples with the news of Pope Francis' passing on Monday morning, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a figure with deep ties to the United States, has emerged as a pivotal character in this transitional phase for the Vatican. Known as the "camerlengo," Farrell is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Vatican following a pope's death or resignation. Pope Francis appointed him to this important role in 2019, and now, at the age of 77, he is assuming significant duties during this "Apostolica Sedes Vacans," or the interregnum period.

Born in 1947 in Dublin, Farrell has a rich history in the Catholic Church, having spent over 30 years working in various capacities across the US. He pursued his education at institutions such as the University of Salamanca in Spain and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. His early career included roles as a chaplain at the University of Monterrey in Mexico and a parish in Bethesda, Maryland. By 2007, he had been appointed Bishop of Dallas, where he served until Pope Francis requested his leadership for a newly established Vatican department focused on family pastoral care in 2016, elevating him to the rank of cardinal.

In the wake of Pope Francis' death, Farrell's responsibilities expand significantly. Besides serving as camerlengo, in 2023, he was appointed as president of the Supreme Court of Vatican City State and president of the Commission for Confidential Matters. In his camerlengo role, he will oversee the arrangements for the conclave, through which a new pope will be elected. Interestingly, it is noteworthy that a camerlengo can also become pope, as evidenced by historical cases.

Farrell's tasks in the immediate future include certifying the death of Pope Francis and presiding over the solemn laying of the pope's body in a coffin. Following this, he will lead a procession to transport the pope’s remains from Domus Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican has indicated that these ceremonies may commence as early as Wednesday morning. The world watches as Cardinal Kevin Farrell steps into a role of consequential leadership during a period of profound transition for the Catholic Church.