Cardinal Kevin Farrell Becomes Acting Head of Vatican Following Pope Francis’ Death

April 22, 2025, Cardinal Kevin Farrell Becomes Acting Head of Vatican Following Pope Francis’ Death. Following the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican and the global Catholic community are in mourning. He passed away early Monday morning at the age of 88. The pontiff succumbed to a stroke and irreversible heart failure after slipping into a coma according to Vatican physician Dr. Andrea Arcangeli.

His death, occurred at 7:35 a.m. local time. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the cardinal camerlengo and now acting head of the Vatican officially announced his passing away. Cardinal Kevin Farrell Becomes Acting Head of Vatican Following Pope Francis’ Death.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell Becomes Acting Head of Vatican Following Pope Francis’ Death

Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Nation Mourns

A tireless advocate for the poor and marginalized, the first Latin American pope, Francis, had battled double pneumonia earlier this year and was recently released from a 38-day hospital stay. He made a public appearance on Easter Sunday, despite his health challenges, giving the faithful hope that he was recovering. Millions around the world were shocked and saddened by the news of his death.

Cardinal Farrell: The Man Leading the Church Through Transition

The responsibility of guiding the Catholic Church through this period of transition, in the wake of Pope Francis’ passing, has fallen to Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the current camerlengo. Farrell, born in Dublin in 1947 and now a naturalized American citizen, has become one of the most influential figures in the Vatican.  

Farrell, as camerlengo role, is now overseeing all Vatican operations and will manage the preparations for the funeral and the upcoming conclave, during which a new pope will be elected. His announcement of the pope’s death was solemn and poignant: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”

The Role of the Camerlengo Explained

In the Catholic Church, the camerlengo plays a vital role during a papal transition. Cardinal Farrell was appointed by Pope Francis in 2019, and is tasked with several sacred and administrative duties. The duties include verifying the pope’s death, formally calling the deceased pontiff by his baptismal name, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, and breaking the symbolic Fisherman’s Ring to prevent its misuse.

The sealing of the pope’s private apartments and ensures the security of Vatican property until a new pope is elected are also some of the other duties of the camerlengo. Farrell’s name may well be in consideration for the papacy as the conclave approaches, although the camerlengo does not automatically become a candidate for the papacy.

Cardinal Farrell’s Journey from Dublin to the Vatican

The path of Kevin Farrell to becoming one of the Vatican’s highest-ranking officials is marked by decades of international service. After completing his studies at the University of Salamanca and the Pontifical Gregorian University, Farrell was ordained a priest in 1978. Prior to relocating to Washington, D.C., in 1984, he began his ministry in Mexico.

Farrell held several significant roles over the years, including director of the Spanish Catholic Center and secretary for financial affairs in the Archdiocese of Washington. In 2001, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Washington, later in 2007 he became the bishop of Dallas.

It was in 2016, his Vatican career accelerated, when Pope Francis appointed him prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, and later made him a cardinal.

A Leader Amid Controversy

Cardinal Farrell’s career has not been without controversy despite his accomplishments. Between 2002 and 2006 he lived and worked closely with disgraced Cardinal Theodore McCarrick but has maintained that he was unaware of any misconduct. In 2018, Farrell also drew criticism for withdrawing Vatican support from a women’s event that included speakers who openly supported same-sex marriage.

However,Farrell, in support of inclusive pastoral care, stated that while the Church cannot bless same-sex unions, “no one should be excluded from the pastoral care and love of the Church.”

Papal Funeral Rites: A Historic and Sacred Farewell

The funeral of Pope Francis’ will follow centuries-old rituals, though modified to reflect his desire for simplicity. The funeral rites are structured in three stations: preparation of the body, public viewing, and burial. In a simple coffin, the pope’s body will lie for three days, at St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a funeral Mass expected to be held inside the basilica due to the season.

Pope Francis’ will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, a departure from the recent tradition of burial in the Vatican grottoes, in accordance with Francis’ personal wishes.

The pontiff specifically requested a grave “in the ground, without particular decoration,” bearing only his papal name in Latin: Franciscus.

What Comes Next: The Path to a New Pope

To elect the next pope, a conclave of cardinals will soon be convened, a process steeped in secrecy and spiritual significance. During this time, Cardinal Farrell’s position as camerlengo puts him at the heart of Vatican operations, while history shows that only two previous camerlengos have gone on to become pope.

There has never been a pope from United States or Ireland, which makes Farrell’s potential candidacy both historic and groundbreaking. The Church now enters a sacred time of mourning and reflection, regardless of who is chosen, as well as anticipation for the next chapter in its 2,000-year journey.

Also Read: Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Legacy of Reform, Compassion, and Controversy

Also Read: What we know about Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s interim manager until a new pope is elected