In a moment that marks a significant chapter in the history of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, an Irish-born leader, has officially announced the passing of Pope Francis.
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The 77-year-old cardinal confirmed that the Pope died on Easter Monday following a series of health challenges, including pneumonia. “Today, we reflect not only on the life of Pope Francis but also on the love and guidance he has provided to so many,” remarked Father Michael Collins, a noted author on the Pope’s life.
As the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, a vital position during the “sede vacante”—the time when the Church is without a pope—Cardinal Farrell has assumed a critical role in the transition. He embodies the responsibility of overseeing the Church’s activities during this period.
Born on September 2, 1947, in Dublin, Farrell grew up in the Drimnagh area and pursued his education at the University of Salamanca in Spain and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained as a priest on December 24, 1978. “It’s a humbling experience to carry the weight of such history,” Cardinal Farrell reflected on his journey as he stepped into this esteemed role.
Cardinal Farrell’s role as Camerlengo has him verifying the Pope’s death and leading the requisite formalities. “It was an Irishman, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who announced the official news to the world,” Father Collins stated during an interview with RTÉ Radio. In this moment, Farrell’s duties are paramount, as he will orchestrate meetings to determine the date of Francis’s funeral and lead preparations for the forthcoming Conclave to elect the next pope.
In a poignant moment this evening, Cardinal Farrell is scheduled to preside over the rite that will place Pope Francis’s body in a coffin at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, the residence where the Pope lived and ultimately passed away.
With dual Irish and American citizenship, Cardinal Farrell has been serving as Camerlengo since February 2019. His extensive background includes serving as a chaplain at the University of Monterrey in Mexico and as the prefect for the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. Appointed by Pope Francis in 2016, Farrell has diligently worked to integrate the functions of two previous dicasteries into one cohesive unit, marking his first significant role in the Vatican.
He was elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in the same year and has also been serving as the president of the Vatican City State Supreme Court since January 2024. Before his Vatican appointment, Farrell dedicated nearly three decades of his priesthood to the Washington D.C. area, and he spent nine years in Dallas.
As he navigates the complexities of managing the Holy See, Cardinal Farrell will be supported by three fellow cardinals. His responsibilities include requesting financial reports and updates on various affairs from all Vatican departments. “With the weight of leadership comes the responsibility to be prepared for what lies ahead,” he noted, acknowledging the challenges that await.
As the Catholic Church enters this new phase, all eyes will be on Cardinal Farrell as he leads with compassion and diligence during this transformative time.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
