• Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025, leading to Cardinal Kevin Farrell assuming the role of Camerlengo.
• Farrell will manage the Vatican until a new pope is elected, overseeing preparations for the conclave.
• The funeral for Pope Francis is expected to take place within days after a nine-day mourning period.

Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025, after 12 years leading the Roman Catholic Church, prompting a series of traditional rituals and mourning practices. As the Cardinal Camerlengo, Kevin Farrell, who is also an Irish-American, will manage the Church's operations during this transitory period until the next pope is elected. Farrell announced the pope's death, stating, "At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father's house," marking the beginning of a significant mourning period and preparations for the papal conclave.

As Camerlengo, Cardinal Farrell's responsibilities include verifying the pope's death, preparing the body for burial, and ensuring the continuation of daily operations at the Vatican. This process is known as "Apostolica Sede Vacans," where he oversees a team of three other cardinals to facilitate the transition. Farrell's role also involves conducting the ceremonial laying of Pope Francis's body in the coffin and presiding over the necessary rituals, including confirming the pope's death through the certification process.

The funeral for Pope Francis is expected to occur within four to six days of his death, adhering to Vatican tradition, and Farrell indicated that "hundreds of thousands of mourners" would likely gather, similar to the turnout during Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's passing in 2022. Furthermore, the proceedings lead up to a conclave where the Cardinal Electors will determine the next pontiff, with Farrell facilitating this critical process while drawing from his experience within the Vatican.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, born in Dublin in 1947, has spent significant time in the United States, serving as bishop in various capacities before being appointed Camerlengo by Pope Francis in 2019. His role is pivotal in ensuring a seamless operation during this transitional period, managing finances, and coordinating with other church leaders. His past positions, including as bishop of Dallas and prefect for the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, underscore his experience and readiness to lead during this time of mourning.