Cardinal Farrell Named Interim Pope After Francis’ Death

Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, a Dublin-born Vatican official, has been appointed to lead the Catholic Church temporarily following the death of Pope Francis.

Farrell, 77, is the camerlengo — the official tasked with overseeing the Church’s administration during the sede vacante, the period between popes. He will now supervise preparations for the papal conclave, the secretive vote by cardinals to elect the next Pope.

Raised in an Irish-speaking home in Drimnagh, Farrell has become one of the most influential figures in the Vatican. While known for his conservative stance, especially his opposition to same-sex marriage — a contrast to Pope Francis’s progressive policies — Farrell was nonetheless trusted by Francis to manage the Church’s transition.

Following the confirmation of Pope Francis’s death, Farrell’s duties include organizing the conclave, which must occur within 15 to 20 days. During this time, cardinals will deliberate and vote in secrecy until a two-thirds majority selects a new pontiff.

The traditional signal of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney will mark the successful election of the new Pope.

Although it is unlikely, there remains a possibility that Farrell could be chosen to become Pope himself. Currently, the leading contenders are Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines — a progressive who could become the first Asian Pope — and Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, viewed as a continuity candidate.

Farrell’s influence in the Vatican grew under Pope Francis, who appointed him to head a newly formed department in 2016 and named him camerlengo in 2019.

In a tribute following the Pope’s death, Farrell said: “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”