An Irish-born American cardinal is playing a pivotal role at the Vatican during the transition between popes.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who has ties to the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, was chosen by Pope Francis to serve as camerlengo, who is now in charge of the Vatican until a new pope is chosen.
In his role as camerlengo, Cardinal Farrell is serving as the executive director of operations for Vatican City and the Holy See under the authority of the College of Cardinals.
He also has the important role of overseeing the preparation and management of the conclave that elects a new pope.
“[He’s] a man, a person who brings a sense of peace at a time when people are genuinely sad that the leader of the church has passed away, especially as we saw Pope Francis suffer these past few weeks,” Rev. Austin Collins with the University of Notre Dame said.
Cardinal Farrell received his MBA from Notre Dame and an honorary doctorate in 2017.
Those who know him say he has a big job ahead of him.
“I think he’s a man who has taken on this role and is a man people have faith in, who understands the structures of the church but also understands government and understands we’re a global church,” Rev. Collins said.