Pope Francis passed away this past Monday at the age of 88, just after celebrating Easter services at St. Peter’s Basilica. He led the Catholic Church for over 12 years, leaving a lasting mark through his focus on compassion, reform, and global outreach.
With his passing, preparations are now underway for a papal conclave to elect his successor. In the meantime, the governance of the Church falls to Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, a longtime Vatican official and former bishop of Dallas.
Who is Kevin Joseph Farrell?
Born on September 2, 1947, in Dublin, Ireland, Cardinal Farrell brings decades of experience in pastoral care, Church leadership, and Vatican administration.
He pursued his studies in Spain and Rome, earning degrees in philosophy, theology, and business—including an MBA from the University of Notre Dame. Ordained in 1978 by the Legionaries of Christ, Farrell began his ministry as a university chaplain in Mexico before moving to the U.S. in 1983 to serve at St. Bartholomew Parish in Bethesda, Maryland.
By 1984, he was officially incardinated into the Archdiocese of Washington, where he went on to lead the Spanish Catholic Center and eventually became vicar general. Recognized for his leadership, he was named auxiliary bishop of Washington in 2001 and ordained as bishop the following year.
What was Farrell’s role in Texas?
In 2007, Farrell was appointed Bishop of Dallas, a position he held for nearly a decade. During this time, the diocese saw rapid growth, expanding to over a million Catholics.
Farrell also served in key roles with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, including as treasurer and committee chair, while holding board positions at prominent Catholic institutions like the University of Dallas and Catholic University of America.
What was Farrell’s role within the Vatican?
In 2016, Pope Francis appointed Farrell as the inaugural Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, signaling trust in his leadership on issues affecting lay Catholics worldwide. In 2019, he was named Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, placing him in charge of Church operations between popes.
He later assumed additional high-level Vatican roles, including President of the Commission for Confidential Matters in 2020 and President of the Vatican City State Supreme Court in 2024.
What is the former Dallas bishop’s current role?
As Camerlengo, Cardinal Farrell is currently overseeing the Church during the sede vacante—the period between the death of a pope and the election of a new one. He is responsible for confirming the pope’s death, securing the papal residence, organizing the funeral, and preparing for the conclave.
Though he manages the Vatican’s day-to-day operations, he cannot make decisions reserved solely for a reigning pope. His actions are guided by Universi Dominici Gregis, the Church’s official framework for papal succession.
When will the church elect a new pope?
The conclave to elect the next pope is expected to begin between May 6 and May 12, 2025, inside the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. Until a new pontiff is chosen, Cardinal Farrell remains the Church’s highest-ranking official, guiding the faithful through this historic transition.