Outlook Business Desk
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, died on April 21, 2025 in the Vatican. Now, Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell 77 assumes interim leadership of the Vatican as Camerlengo, overseeing Church affairs until a new pope is elected.
As Camerlengo, Farrell will oversee the Vatican’s daily affairs and organise the conclave to elect the next pope.
Born in Dublin in 1947, Farrell served in Mexico and the US, including the Bishop of Dallas, before being appointed to key Vatican roles.
In 2016, Pope Francis appointed Farrell to the important role of Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, further elevating his influence within the Vatican. In 2019, he was entrusted with the significant responsibility of Camerlengo, overseeing the transition of papal leadership.
Farrell will coordinate the conclave, where 135 cardinal electors will gather to choose the next pope, a process steeped in tradition and secrecy.
Farrell has faced scrutiny over his associations with disgraced clergy and his conservative views, including opposition to same-sex marriage.
The Vatican has started preparations for Pope Francis’s funeral, with a public viewing at St. Peter's Basilica beginning Wednesday. The funeral will be held on Saturday at 10 am, following traditional protocols, before the conclave begins on May 5