The world is watching the Vatican closely after the death of Pope Francis — and right now, the man in charge is Cardinal Kevin Farrell.

So, who is he?

Farrell, now 77, was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1947. His journey to the top ranks of the Catholic Church took him from studying in Spain and Rome to working in churches across North and Central America. He spent more than 30 years in the United States, serving in places like Maryland and Mexico before becoming the Bishop of Dallas in 2007.

But it was Pope Francis who gave Farrell his big break at the Vatican. In 2016, he appointed Farrell to lead a new department focused on family life — a role that came with a red hat, as Farrell was also made a cardinal. From there, his influence only grew. In 2023, he was put in charge of two powerful roles: head of the Vatican’s Supreme Court and president of the Commission for Confidential Matters.

Perhaps most importantly, Pope Francis made him Camerlengo — the Vatican official who takes over when the pope dies or resigns. That moment arrived with the passing of Pope Francis, and now all eyes are on Farrell.

He officially announced the pope’s death from the Domus Santa Marta, the hotel where Francis had lived. Reading a short statement live on Vatican TV, Farrell said the pope’s “entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his church.”

As Camerlengo, Farrell’s role is both symbolic and highly practical. He confirms the pope's death, seals the papal apartment, and breaks the “fisherman’s ring,” marking the end of a papacy. He leads the procession into St. Peter’s Basilica and oversees the burial.

But Farrell says the real work is behind the scenes. He receives detailed financial reports from every Vatican department, along with the current and future budgets. These are shared with the cardinals ahead of the conclave — the secret meeting where they’ll choose the next pope.

With years of experience managing Vatican finances and legal matters, Farrell is uniquely qualified to keep the church running smoothly during this historic transition.

For now, Cardinal Kevin Farrell holds the keys to the world’s smallest — and most watched — country.

vatican city

From Chicago, with love: Pope Leo XIV’s divine path to the Vatican

American cardinal elected new Pope, calls himself Leo XIV

Pope Francis: a pope like no other

Who is Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s interim manager?

vatican city

From Chicago, with love: Pope Leo XIV’s divine path to the Vatican

American cardinal elected new Pope, calls himself Leo XIV

Pope Francis: a pope like no other

Who is Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s interim manager?