The Vatican camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, announced the death of Pope Francis on Monday morning. After battling a complex lung infection and weeks of hospitalisation, the pontiff died at 7:35am local time on April 21. The camerlengo, who oversees the Vatican’s property and revenues, was responsible for verifying the death.
He then called out the Pope’s name three times, and when no response was received, the Pope was pronounced dead. Following this, the public was informed, and a new pontiff was selected. The Vatican camerlengo is a cardinal appointed by the Pope and is tasked with a series of responsibilities in the transition from one pope to his successor. This includes confirming the pope’s death or resignation.
Following the Pope’s death, the camerlengo assumes control over the Pope’s residence and coordinates the funeral. The Cardinal also takes custody of the Vatican’s property in Rome and supervises details for the upcoming conclave.
This morning, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell said: “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.”
He added: “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.″
Cardinal Kevin Ferrell was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1947, later attending the University of Salamanca in Spain and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. In 1978, he was ordained as a priest.
He then served as a chaplain in Mexico before exercising his pastoral ministry in Washington where he was formally accepted in the archdiocese of Washington. He held many senior titles and positions over the years, being appointed as bishop of Dallas in 2007.
In 2016, Pope Francis then called upon Cardinal Kevin Ferrell to serve in the Roman Curia, as prefect of the new Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life.
Later that year, he was proclaimed Cardinal, the diaconate of San Giuliano Martire.
In 2019, Pope Francis nominated him Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, before appointing Cardinal Kevin Farrell as president of the Commission for Confidential Matters in 2020.
In 2023, the pontiff announced him as President of the Vatican City State Supreme Court, with effect from January 1, 2024.
