Bishop Kevin Farrell, Image by Andrew Incowtown.
14 February 2019, Holy See: Bishop of Rome, Franciscus I, appointed the Irish-American Cardinal Kevin Farrell as the new “camerlengo”, that is, the prelate who runs the Holy See in the interregnum between the death or resignation of a pontiff, and the election of a new one.
Cardinal Farrell, 71, was in born in Ireland and is the highest-ranking United Stater at the papal household. He succeeded the French cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, who passed away in July 2018. The camerlengo, or chamberlain, acts as a sort of regent during the Holy See’s vacancy, and matters related to the Vatican city-state during the period known as the
Wheras the position is steeped in tradition and rituals, he cannot make any major decisions and cannot change Church teachings. In the case of a papal death, the camerlengo is the person who officially confirms it, traditionally by tapping the pontiff’s head three times with a silver hammer and calling out his name. He then seals the papal residence and office.
In 2013, Benedictus XVI became the first pontiff in six centuries to abdicate; then Cardinal Tauran began his duties the day the resignation took effect. Franciscus I, aged 81, appears to enjoy good health.
For further information:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camerlengo_of_the_Holy_Roman_Church
