Following the death of Pope Francis, an American cardinal has assumed temporary leadership of the Vatican until a new pope is elected.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, originally from Dublin and now a naturalized U.S. citizen, is serving as the camerlengo—the official responsible for overseeing the Vatican’s day-to-day operations during the papal interregnum. Farrell previously served as the Bishop of Dallas and now holds one of the most critical roles in the Catholic Church during this transitional period.
As camerlengo, Farrell’s duties include formally confirming the pope’s death, securing his personal quarters, and overseeing preparations for the funeral. He also organizes the papal conclave, ensuring confidentiality and an orderly voting process among the cardinals.
At the ceremonial confirmation of death, the camerlengo wears white choir dress and a red stole as he leads prayers and supervises the preparation of the pope’s body for burial. According to the updated liturgical guide on papal funerals—revised by Francis himself—the camerlengo drafts the act of death, which accompanies the official death certificate issued by the Vatican’s Department of Health and Hygiene. The Vatican confirmed on Monday that Pope Francis died of a stroke and heart failure.
Though the camerlengo’s authority is limited to routine governance, he leads a committee of three cardinals and can request financial data, including details on “extraordinary business” from Vatican departments. He also has access to the Holy See’s past and upcoming budgets. During this period, most Vatican offices pause operations, with few exceptions including the camerlengo.
Cardinal Farrell, 77, brings a unique skillset to the role. He holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, and Irish Gaelic—an asset in the multilingual global church. He is widely regarded as a decisive leader and trusted organizer.
Pope Francis recognized Farrell’s abilities early on, appointing him in 2016 to lead the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. He was later elevated to cardinal and, in 2019, was chosen for the critical post of camerlengo.
Francis also entrusted him with other significant roles: in 2023, Farrell became President of the Vatican City State Supreme Court and took leadership of both the “Commission for Confidential Matters” and the “Committee for Investments”—the latter established to ensure ethical financial practices. He also serves on boards overseeing the Holy See’s property portfolio and Vatican City administration.
Born in 1947, Farrell left Ireland as a teenager to join the Legionaries of Christ, a Mexican religious order later tarnished by abuse scandals involving its founder, Marcial Maciel. Farrell had left the order long before those revelations emerged.
He was ordained a priest in 1984 for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., where he held several leadership roles. Farrell later faced scrutiny regarding what he may have known about former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick’s abuse scandals. He has firmly denied any awareness, stating: “Did I ever know? No. Did I ever suspect? No.”
During his tenure at the Vatican, Farrell promoted inclusivity and empowerment, appointing women to senior roles in his department and suggesting that his own successor need not be a cleric. “My expertise is getting people to do the job—people who are qualified,” he said.
His brother, Bishop Brian Farrell, also serves in the Vatican, reinforcing the family’s deep ties to the Church’s leadership.
Cardinal Farrell has supported Pope Francis’ pastoral emphasis, particularly the inclusion of divorced and remarried Catholics. “Fundamentally, this is about meeting people where they are,” he said. Farrell acknowledged the resistance Francis faced, describing it as “vicious” and “unprecedented,” but credited the late pope with steering the Church closer to its Christian roots.
As the Church now prepares for a new era, Cardinal Farrell is focused on ensuring a smooth and dignified transition.
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