NAIROBI, Kenya- Following Pope Francis’s death on April 21, 2025, the papal seat became vacant until the next pope was chosen. Consequently, the role of ‘interim Pope’ is assumed by the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, also called the Charmberlain. Currently, this position is held by Irish Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
Here are the key roles of the Camerlengo during the “sede vacante” (empty seat), the period between the death of a Pope and the election of his successor:
Confirming and Announcing the Pope’s Death: The Camerlengo is responsible for officially verifying the Pope’s death. Traditionally, this involved a formal identification. He then notifies the Cardinal Vicar of Rome, who informs the people of Rome.
Symbolic Acts: The Camerlengo oversees the breaking of the “Fisherman’s Ring”, the official seal of the Pope, and the sealing of the Pope’s private apartments. These acts symbolize the end of the previous Pontificate.
Administering the Temporal Goods of the Holy See: He is responsible for managing the property and administrative affairs of the Vatican during the interregnum. However, his powers are limited to essential functions and cannot make decisions that would extend beyond the vacancy or infringe on the future Pope’s prerogatives.
Organizing the Papal Funeral: The Camerlengo, along with other officials, helps to organize the funeral rites for the deceased Pope.
Preparing for the Conclave: He plays a role in the preparations for the conclave, the meeting of the College of Cardinals to elect a new Pope. This includes overseeing the arrangements for the cardinals’ lodging and the security of the Sistine Chapel.
Acting as the Head of Vatican City: In the interim, the Camerlengo serves as the acting head of state for Vatican City.
Convening the College of Cardinals: He is involved in the initial meetings of the College of Cardinals to discuss the upcoming conclave.
The Camerlengo’s role is primarily administrative and symbolic. The governance of the Catholic Church during the sede vacante is primarily the responsibility of the College of Cardinals as a whole. The Camerlengo ensures the smooth functioning of the Vatican’s essential operations until a new Pope is elected.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a United States citizen, is a former Bishop of Dallas was appointed to the position in 2019 by the late pope. He however has been associated with some controversies. The most infamous being covering molestation and abuse allegations against a close former Cardinal.
