Cardinal Kevin Farrell's role: The man leading the Church between Popes

After Pope Francis' death, the Cardinal plays a central role in the Vatican, overseeing the preparations for the conclave.

APRIL 21, 2025 6:18 PM EDTAPR 21, 2025, 6:18 PM EDT

Pope Francis passed away this Monday, April 21, at the age of 88, just hours after giving the 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on Easter Sunday.

Archbishop of Dallas Kevin Joseph Farrell receives congratulations from cardinals during the Ordinary Public Consistory celebrated by Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica on November 19, 2016 in Vatican City, Vatican. Thirteen of the new Cardinals will be under 80 years and will be eligible to vote in a conclave.

The Catholic Church has activated the protocol it follows whenever the Seat of St. Peter remains vacant following his death. During this transition period, known as the Sede Vacante, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, who has been camerlengo since 2019, takes charge of the Vatican. Recently, Farrell had been very close to the Pope, especially during his most serious health struggles. Now, after his passing, Farrell’s role is crucial.

Pope Francis, flanked by cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell (R) attends the Mass for the 37th World Youth Day at Parque Tejo on August 06, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal.

Farrell Announces Pope Francis' Death

Cardinal Farrell was the one who announced Pope Francis' death to the world today: "With deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. 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."

Pope Francis blesses the faithful at the end of the Urbi et Orbi Message to the World at the central Loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, on April 20, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican.

What’s the role of the Camerlengo (Cardinal Chamberlain)?

The camerlengo is in charge of overseeing everything that happens between the death of a Pope and the election of the next one. His first duty is to officially confirm the Pope’s death. Thereafter, he seals the papal chambers and calls the College of Cardinals to begin preparations for the conclave. He also manages the Vatican’s assets during this interim period.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell (C), Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, puts seals on the Papal apartment of the Apostolic Palace on April 21, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican.

A Rare Protocol: Sede Impedita

In the past two months, due to Pope Francis’ declining health, the Vatican activated the rarely used Sede Impedita protocol—applied when a Pope is alive but no longer able to fulfill his role. Farrell received the resignation letter Francis had signed in case of incapacity.

Who is Kevin Joseph Farrell?

Kevin Joseph Farrell is an Irish-born cardinal who plays a key role in the Catholic Church. Born in Dublin in 1947, he began his religious journey with the Legionaries of Christ. He studied philosophy and theology in Spain and Italy and was ordained a priest in Rome in 1978.

At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta on April 21, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican.

Farrell's ministry took him to Mexico, where he specialized in social ethics and bioethics. He also held administrative roles within the Legion of Christ across several European countries. He was the bishop of Dallas for almost a decade. Today, he serves as camerlengo, responsible for leading the Church during the transition between popes.