Asger Risom
Little-known outside Church circles, Farrell steps into the spotlight as camerlengo during the Vatican’s time of transition
The death of a pope marks a solemn but pivotal moment in the Roman Catholic Church. As tradition dictates, leadership passes temporarily into the hands of a trusted official until a new pontiff is elected. That role now belongs to Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
Cardinal Farrell, a 77-year-old Irish-American prelate, formally announced Pope Francis’ death on April 21 and assumed his duties as camerlengo—the official responsible for overseeing the Vatican during the interregnum.
Appointed to the post by Francis in 2019, Farrell is now the interim head of the Vatican during the Sedes Vacante, the period between pontificates.
An International Clerical Career
Born in Dublin in 1947, Farrell studied at the University of Salamanca in Spain and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. His early clerical work took him from Mexico to Maryland, serving both campus ministries and parishes.
Over more than three decades, he became a prominent figure in the American Catholic Church.
In 2007, he was appointed bishop of Dallas, where he led one of the most diverse and fastest-growing dioceses in the U.S.
In 2016, Pope Francis tapped him to head a newly formed Vatican department dedicated to family life, and later elevated him to cardinal.
Farrell’s influence within the Vatican grew steadily. By 2023, he also served as president of the Vatican’s Supreme Court and led a commission on confidential matters—both sensitive and powerful roles that reflect deep trust from the late pope.
Steering the Church Through Transition
As camerlengo, Farrell’s responsibilities include certifying the pope’s death, overseeing the preparation of his body, and managing funeral arrangements. He will also coordinate preparations for the upcoming conclave, which will elect the next pope.
While canon law permits a camerlengo to be elected pope, it has happened only twice in modern history. For now, Farrell is charged with maintaining stability in one of the most sacred institutions on Earth, as reported by Digi24.