In the wake of Pope Francis' death, Cardinal Kevin Farrell takes on significant responsibilities as the new camerlengo, orchestrating the Vatican's transition to a new pontiff.
Who is Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the New Camerlengo of the Vatican?
Who is Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the New Camerlengo of the Vatican?
Exploring the life and responsibilities of the acting head of the Vatican following Pope Francis' passing.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell has stepped into the role of camerlengo following the death of Pope Francis. The announcement was made by Cardinal Farrell himself, who remarked that the pope had "returned to the home of the Father." This role grants him control over the Vatican's operations until a new pope is elected, a position that Pope Francis had appointed him to in 2019.
Born in Dublin in 1947, Farrell has spent over three decades serving in various capacities within the Church in the United States. After obtaining degrees from the University of Salamanca and the Pontifical Gregorian University, he held influence in both Mexico and Maryland before being named the Bishop of Dallas in 2007. In 2016, Pope Francis invited him to lead a department focused on family pastoral care, subsequently elevating him to the role of cardinal.
In addition to his recent appointment as camerlengo, he was also chosen in 2023 to head the Supreme Court of Vatican City State and the Commission for Confidential Matters. His experience now places him at the forefront of planning the conclave, the official assembly that will elect the next pope. Notably, history has seen camerlengos ascend to the papacy, adding a layer of intrigue to his tenure.
As camerlengo, Cardinal Farrell is tasked with managing poignant rituals following Pope Francis' passing. He is responsible for officially certifying the pope's death, overseeing the transfer of the pontiff's body to St Peter's Basilica, and leading the related memorial services, which are expected to commence shortly.
Born in Dublin in 1947, Farrell has spent over three decades serving in various capacities within the Church in the United States. After obtaining degrees from the University of Salamanca and the Pontifical Gregorian University, he held influence in both Mexico and Maryland before being named the Bishop of Dallas in 2007. In 2016, Pope Francis invited him to lead a department focused on family pastoral care, subsequently elevating him to the role of cardinal.
In addition to his recent appointment as camerlengo, he was also chosen in 2023 to head the Supreme Court of Vatican City State and the Commission for Confidential Matters. His experience now places him at the forefront of planning the conclave, the official assembly that will elect the next pope. Notably, history has seen camerlengos ascend to the papacy, adding a layer of intrigue to his tenure.
As camerlengo, Cardinal Farrell is tasked with managing poignant rituals following Pope Francis' passing. He is responsible for officially certifying the pope's death, overseeing the transfer of the pontiff's body to St Peter's Basilica, and leading the related memorial services, which are expected to commence shortly.
