Cardinal Kevin Farrell: An Introduction to the Current Head of the Catholic Church

When a pope dies, the process of selecting a new leader for the Catholic Church begins. Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell assumed the role of acting head of the Church following the death of Pope Francis. Farrell, born in Dublin, Ireland, has a long history of service within the Church, including roles in Washington, Dallas, and Rome. He was appointed as prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life by Pope Francis in 2016. Farrell also served as camerlengo, responsible for overseeing key moments in the transition to a new pope, such as confirming the death of the pope and preparing for the papal conclave. As camerlengo, Farrell also symbolically destroys the Fisherman’s Ring and lead bulla to signify the end of the deceased pope’s power. Additionally, he takes over the day-to-day operations of the Vatican during the sede vacante period between the death of the pope and the election of a new pope. The process of selecting a new pope involves the papal conclave, where cardinals gather to elect a new leader of the Catholic Church.