US Cardinal Takes Over as Interim Head of the Vatican After Pope Francis' Death
- Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a Dublin-born American, has been named interim head of the Vatican following Pope Francis’ death, as part of the papal interregnum
- As Camerlengo, Farrell is responsible for verifying the Pope’s death, managing Vatican affairs, and overseeing preparations for the conclave and funeral
- Known for his administrative skills and trust from Pope Francis, Farrell will lead transitional duties until a new pontiff is elected
Following the passing of Pope Francis, the Vatican has confirmed that Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a Dublin-born American cleric, has taken over as the interim head of the Vatican.
As the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, Cardinal Farrell now oversees the day-to-day affairs of the Apostolic See until a new pope is elected.
Source: Getty Images
This temporary leadership role, defined by canon law, marks a crucial phase known as the papal interregnum, during which the Church prepares to elect its next pontiff.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell's qualifications
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, 77, was born in Dublin, Ireland, but spent much of his pastoral career in the United States, eventually becoming a naturalised American citizen.
A former Bishop of Dallas, he holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana – a rare academic credential among senior Church figures.
Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, and Irish Gaelic, Farrell is recognised for his administrative acumen and diplomatic skills, which led the late Pope Francis to entrust him with increasingly prominent roles within the Vatican.
Kevin Farrell's duties as the Camerlengo
As Camerlengo, Cardinal Farrell is responsible for overseeing the temporal goods and legal affairs of the Church in the period following a pope’s death.
His tasks include verifying and certifying the Pope’s death, sealing the papal residence, and preparing for the funeral and papal conclave, as reported by CNN News.
Quoting the Vatican’s constitution on interregnum governance, the Holy See Press Office stated:
“The camerlengo shall administer the day-to-day functions of the Church and oversee all practical arrangements necessary for the conclave.”
While Farrell has limited governing authority, he may request financial reports, oversee extraordinary transactions, and ensure that all Vatican departments remain paused, except for his own and two others.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell confirms Pope Francis’ death
Wearing traditional white choir dress and a red stole, Cardinal Farrell presided over the first ceremonial rites marking Pope Francis’ death.
He also drew up the “authentic act of death”, attached to the formal certificate signed by Dr Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Vatican Health and Hygiene Department.
The Vatican earlier disclosed that Pope Francis died of a stroke, followed by cardiac failure.
His body is expected to lie in state before the funeral and burial, in line with papal tradition.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell: Trusted aide of Pope Francis
Source: Getty Images
Cardinal Farrell was among Pope Francis’ closest collaborators. In 2016, he was appointed as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, a role in which he promoted the Pope’s vision of an inclusive, pastorally sensitive Church. Three years later, Francis elevated him to Camerlengo, signalling deep trust in his leadership, BBC News reported.
A Vatican official, speaking anonymously, noted:
“Cardinal Farrell's combination of pastoral experience, financial knowledge, and multilingual fluency make him ideally suited for this moment.”
Cardinal Kevin Farrell to lead transition after Pope's death
As the Church prepares to gather its cardinals for a conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor, Cardinal Farrell’s role will be pivotal in ensuring that protocols are strictly followed and that transparency is maintained during the proceedings.
Further announcements regarding the date of the conclave and funeral arrangements are expected in the coming days.
Interim Vatican leader bound by strict sede vacante rules - Expert
A canon law expert, Fabiola Lacagnina, has clarified the scope of authority vested in Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is now leading the Vatican as Camerlengo during the sede vacante, following the death of Pope Francis.
Lawyer Fabiola told Legit.ng:
“The principle applicable in this context is expressed by the Latin brocardo ‘sede vacante nihil innovetur’.”
“In the case of the Roman See, the term ‘sede vacante’ refers to the period between the end of a pontificate and the election of a new pope.”
“The election, which takes place in conclave, must be accepted by the elected candidate, who, if he is not already a bishop, must be ordained as such: this is the only way provided for the succession and the beginning of a new full See.”
Lacagnina explained that the process is governed by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, issued in 1996 by Pope John Paul II and later updated by Pope Francis. This document strictly regulates both the administration of the Church during the interregnum and the conclave procedure.
According to the Italian-based lawyer, Cardinal Farrell has multiple roles, such as verifying the Pope's death, securing his personal property, and notifying the necessary authorities. He also organises cardinal meetings, manages Church affairs without overstepping papal authority, and oversees the Conclave's logistics.
Farrell, she added, will also work with rotating assistant cardinals, handle finances, ceremonial duties, and affix the papal seal to official documents until a new Pope is elected.
The legal expert cited The Causes of Saints and the Pontifical Lateran University as her references.
Pope Francis died of stroke - Vatican
Previously, Legit.ng reported that the Vatican has officially confirmed that Pope Francis died as a result of a stroke.
The Vatican, in a statement, noted that the stroke led to a coma and eventually irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse, ending his historic papacy at the age of 88.
Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from an Italian-based canon law expert for this report.
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Source: Legit.ng
