With the passing of Pope Francis, the leadership of the Vatican enters the hands of Dublin-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who assumes his role as Camerlengo—the official tasked with overseeing the Vatican’s day-to-day activities until a new pope is elected. Farrell, 77, will now manage the crucial steps following Francis’s death, including the planning of his funeral and the preparation for the Conclave, where cardinals will vote for the next pope.
Farrell, who has held the position of Camerlengo since February 2019, is responsible for the organizational tasks that follow the death of a pope. These include convening the College of Cardinals to set the date of the funeral and overseeing the final arrangements for the conclave. Farrell is expected to lead the rite that will place Pope Francis’s body in the coffin at the Casa Santa Marta, the residence where the late pope spent his final days.
Earlier in the day, Farrell made the announcement to the world: “This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.” He continued, “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and his church.”
As part of his responsibilities, Farrell will also oversee Vatican operations, including gathering financial and economic information from the various departments of the Holy See. Farrell, who holds both American and Irish citizenship, has dedicated much of his priesthood to service in the United States. Having served nearly three decades in the Washington D.C. area and nine years in Dallas, he was appointed a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2016. This same year, he was also given the responsibility of leading the newly-formed Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, which combines the duties of two previous Vatican offices.
Farrell’s leadership extends beyond spiritual roles—since January 2024, he has been serving as the president of the Vatican City State Supreme Court. Known for his humor and his distinctive Irish brogue, Farrell has often been a calm and approachable figure in the Vatican, adding personal charm to his significant roles.
In a 2016 interview with The Irish Times, Farrell humorously recounted his reaction to a call informing him that Pope Francis had appointed him a cardinal. “Like hell he is,” he remarked to his secretary, initially thinking it was a prank.
In the coming days, Farrell will oversee the transition process alongside three other cardinals, ensuring the Vatican’s smooth functioning as it prepares for the election of the next pope.
