Cardinal Farrell, Dallas’ former bishop, oversees Vatican affairs as Camerlengo following Pope Francis’ health crisis.
DALLAS — For many in Dallas, Cardinal Kevin Farrell is a familiar face. He led the Diocese of Dallas before moving on to Rome, where his role grew rapidly. In 2016, he was elevated to Cardinal, and today, he holds one of the most important positions in the Vatican.
Farrell is now the Camerlengo, or Chamberlain, responsible for overseeing the administrative affairs of the Holy Roman Church. Pope Francis appointed Farrell to the position in 2019.
“He’s probably the best man for the job,” said Father Joshua Whitfield, a priest with the St. Rita Catholic community. “[The Cardinal] holds the fort down until the conclave elects a new pope. It’s a wonderfully challenging job,” he said.
This role has become even more crucial as Pope Francis battles a respiratory crisis and is in critical condition. One of the aspects of the Camerlengo’s job is to confirm the death of the pope.
Father Whitfield has known Cardinal Ferrell for a decade. He also knows the job of Camerlengo, the Pope’s right hand, fits him well.
“He’s got an MBA. He knows how to run an organization,” said Whitfield. “This office is charged with greasing the skids and making the trains run on time,” said Matthew Wilson, a political science professor at SMU.
Wilson notes Farrell’s reputation for transparency, especially during times of crisis. Meanwhile, the Cardinal also had his critics who felt he didn’t do enough as the Church was struggling with rampant and credible abuse by priests. “He’s no stranger to controversy, no stranger to difficult decisions,” said Wilson.
As Pope Francis’ health continues to decline, Farrell may soon be faced with even more difficult decisions. But those who know the cardinal remain confident in his ability to lead.
“That famous line by Cardinal Ferrell, ‘We help others not because they’re Catholic, but because we’re Catholic,’” Whitfield recalled.
It’s this philosophy that may continue to guide the Cardinal as he navigates one of the most critical roles in the Church today.
