Meet Cardinal Kevin Farrell, acting head of Vatican after Pope Francis’ death

Cardinal Farrell assumes interim Vatican leadership after Pope Francis' death.

Following the death of Pope Francis, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a U.S. citizen born in Dublin, has assumed the role of the Vatican’s interim leader until a new pope is elected. As the “camerlengo,” Farrell is responsible for managing the Vatican’s temporal affairs after the death or resignation of a pope.

In his role, Farrell is tasked with officially confirming the pope’s death, securing the pope’s private quarters, and organising funeral arrangements. He also oversees preparations for the conclave, ensuring confidentiality and order during the election of the new pope.

Farrell, 77, has an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and speaks several languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, and Irish Gaelic. His administrative acumen and linguistic skills have been vital within the Vatican's central administration.

Pope Francis recognised Farrell’s abilities early on, appointing him in 2016 to lead the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life. Farrell was made a cardinal shortly after and became camerlengo in 2019. In 2023, he also took on the roles of president of the Vatican City State Supreme Court, head of the Commission for Confidential Matters, and chair of the Committee for Investments, further solidifying his influence over the Vatican’s financial and administrative operations.

Born in Dublin in 1947, Farrell studied theology at the University of Salamanca in Spain and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Ordained in 1978, he began his ministry as a chaplain at the University of Monterrey in Mexico before joining the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. in 1984. In 2001, Pope John Paul II appointed him as an auxiliary bishop of Washington, and in 2007, he became the Bishop of Dallas.

Farrell’s extensive experience in the U.S. and his key roles within the Vatican highlight his strong pastoral and administrative leadership, ensuring the continuity of the Church during this transitional period.