Who Is Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s Interim Manager Till the New Pope is Elected?

Vatican City, April 28, 2025: Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, was appointed as interim manager of the Vatican on Monday, April 21, following the passing of Pope Francis. In this position, Farrell, 77, will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Holy See until a new pope is elected.

Born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1947, Farrell’s extensive clerical career has spanned continents, with significant years of service in Mexico and the United States. He attended the University of Salamanca in Spain and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He holds degrees in philosophy and theology from the University of St. Thomas in Rome. He was ordained a priest on December 24, 1978.

Following his ordination, Farrell served as a chaplain at the University of Monterrey in Mexico before moving to the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., in 1984. During his posting there, he served in various positions, including as an assistant pastor at a parish, director of the Spanish Catholic Centre, and executive director of Catholic Charitable Organisations. He was appointed pastor of the Annunciation parish in Washington, D.C., in 2000. In the year 2002, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Washington, D.C., and five years later, bishop of the Diocese of Dallas.

In 2016, Pope Francis summoned Farrell to the Vatican to serve as vicar general of administration and moderator of the Roman Curia, the administrative arm of the Holy See and the central governing body of the Catholic Church. In subsequent years, Farrell's responsibilities grew, with appointments as Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church in 2019, president of the Church's Commission on Confidential Matters in 2020 and president of the Vatican City State Supreme Court in 2023.

Farrell’s leadership during this transitional period is pivotal in ensuring the Vatican’s smooth functioning until the College of Cardinals elects the next pontiff. His wide-ranging administrative experience and longstanding ties to both American and international Catholic communities are expected to guide him as he stewards the Church through this solemn and historic interregnum.

Source: ABC News