In the wake of Pope Francis' passing, the Roman Catholic Church is now under the direction of Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, who is tasked with overseeing the Vatican until a new pope is elected.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell Takes Charge After Pope Francis’ Death
Cardinal Kevin Farrell Takes Charge After Pope Francis’ Death
Cardinal Farrell assumes responsibilities of the Holy See as the Catholic Church enters a period of mourning.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo of the Roman Catholic Church, took on a momentous role on April 21, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis. At 7:35 a.m., Cardinal Farrell solemnly announced to the world: "At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father." His statement was an acknowledgment of the significant legacy Pope Francis leaves behind, a pope whose life was devoted to faith, compassion, and change within the Church.
As camerlengo, Cardinal Farrell will manage the day-to-day operations of the Vatican during the period known as the “Apostolica Sede Vacans,” the timeframe between a pope's death or resignation and the election of a successor. However, as he emphasized, he cannot make any major decisions that could impact the Church until a new pope is in place.
The Vatican has planned that Cardinal Farrell will oversee a ceremony to officially confirm Pope Francis’ death and prepare his remains for burial in the coming days. This will take place in the Vatican guesthouse chapel where Francis spent his final days. The public will have the opportunity to view the pope's body prior to his funeral, which is tentatively scheduled for four to six days posthumously, with a procession to St. Peter’s Basilica planned.
The College of Cardinals, comprised of 252 cardinals, will determine the logistics of the funeral and the timing of Francis’ final journey to St. Peter’s Basilica. Among them, only 135 are under the age of 80 and eligible to vote for the next pope.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, 77, has an extensive background within the Catholic Church, having served in various significant roles in the United States prior to his appointment in Rome. His leadership as the auxiliary bishop of Washington, bishop of Dallas, and recent presidency of the Supreme Court of Vatican City State showcases his extensive experience within the Church's governance. Besides his Church duties, he is also the brother of Bishop Brian Farrell, a prominent figure in promoting Christian unity.
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, Cardinal Farrell carries the weight of continuing the Church’s mission and facilitating the transition to new leadership in these uncertain times.
As camerlengo, Cardinal Farrell will manage the day-to-day operations of the Vatican during the period known as the “Apostolica Sede Vacans,” the timeframe between a pope's death or resignation and the election of a successor. However, as he emphasized, he cannot make any major decisions that could impact the Church until a new pope is in place.
The Vatican has planned that Cardinal Farrell will oversee a ceremony to officially confirm Pope Francis’ death and prepare his remains for burial in the coming days. This will take place in the Vatican guesthouse chapel where Francis spent his final days. The public will have the opportunity to view the pope's body prior to his funeral, which is tentatively scheduled for four to six days posthumously, with a procession to St. Peter’s Basilica planned.
The College of Cardinals, comprised of 252 cardinals, will determine the logistics of the funeral and the timing of Francis’ final journey to St. Peter’s Basilica. Among them, only 135 are under the age of 80 and eligible to vote for the next pope.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, 77, has an extensive background within the Catholic Church, having served in various significant roles in the United States prior to his appointment in Rome. His leadership as the auxiliary bishop of Washington, bishop of Dallas, and recent presidency of the Supreme Court of Vatican City State showcases his extensive experience within the Church's governance. Besides his Church duties, he is also the brother of Bishop Brian Farrell, a prominent figure in promoting Christian unity.
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, Cardinal Farrell carries the weight of continuing the Church’s mission and facilitating the transition to new leadership in these uncertain times.
