Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a 77-year-old cleric, has emerged as a pivotal figure within the Vatican, taking on significant responsibilities following the recent death of Pope Francis. As the highest-ranking US bishop in the central administration of the Catholic Church, Farrell presides over ceremonial rites and plays a vital role in the church’s governance. His depth of experience and immense talent as a leader have made him one of Pope Francis’ most trusted collaborators.
Grew up in Dublin, Ireland, Farrell was naturalized as an American after spending decades ministering in the United States. He received a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. This education only serves to enrich Mosley’s clerical responsibilities, equipping him with exceptional organizational management and practice insight. His leadership provided much needed expertise that has made him a respected decision-maker among the church hierarchy.
As camerlengo, Cardinal Farrell is responsible for leading the ceremonial service that formally certifies the pope’s death. This will be the “first moment of prayer” since the passing. In this momentous event, he confidently wears a white church robe in front of the camera. His red stole represents both his authority and his profound commitment to the church. He will be in charge of arranging the pope’s body in a coffin of wood and zinc. It is a task described in the Ordo Exsequiæ Romana tome, the liturgical book for papal funeral rites.
Father Farrell’s appointment as head of the Vatican’s family life office in 2016 was a major elevation in his ecclesiastical career. His phenomenal organizational acumen and fluency in English and Spanish have been valuable assets to his service to the global church. In January 2023, he was elected President of the Vatican City state supreme court. His leadership extended over many crucial areas, with his service as President of the Vatican’s “Commission for Confidential Matters” and the “Committee for Investments.”
Cardinal Farrell’s leadership style is inspired by a deep commitment to inclusivity and engagement. He believes in a philosophy of meeting people “where they’re at.” It’s a remarkable act that demonstrates his commitment to nurturing lively conversation and debate in the life of the church. This model reflects Pope Francis’ desire for a more pastoral, more welcoming, more evangelizing Catholic Church.
“Fundamentally, this is about meeting people where they are,” – Cardinal Kevin Farrell
Whether putting out fires in the diocese or dealing with the bureaucracy of the Curia, Cardinal Farrell runs an “empower the people” operation. He said, “My specialty is putting the right people on the job, qualified people to work on the job.” This focus on collaboration highlights Francis’ commitment to a new style of leadership from within the Vatican.
For all the stubborn and unprecedented opposition to his boss Pope Francis, Cardinal Farrell isn’t bending. While these challenges test anyone, his commitment to the church’s mission runs deep. He has addressed issues arising from the previous clergy allegation scandals directly. He replied confidently, “No. Did I have an inkling? No. Did he ever abuse any seminarian in Washington? No.
