AUSTIN (KXAN) — Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a former Dallas bishop, announced to the world Monday that Pope Francis had died.
As the current Vatican camerlengo, it’s Farrell’s job to oversee the transition between Francis, and the election of a new pope.
The job began Monday morning when Farrell read the following statement:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy F ather Francis. At 7:35 this morning, The Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s house. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church.”
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of God, One and Triune.’’
Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell
Farrell’s job will continue Monday evening when he will preside over the rite of the certification of death and the laying of Pope Francis’ body in the coffin, according to The Holy See Press Office.
Farrell served in Texas for nine years as the Bishop of Dallas from 2007-2016.
In 2016, he was asked to serve in the church’s administrative body as part of the Roman Curia. Later that year, he was elevated to cardinal.
Born in 1947 in Dublin, Ireland, the now 77-year-old was first ordained as a priest in 1978.
After ordination, he served in Mexico before moving to the United States in 1983, where he served in Washington, D.C.
Farrell will now seal the papal apartments and prepare for the pope’s burial, which is expected in the next four to six days.
Next, he’ll organize and prepare for the papal conclave, where cardinals come together from around the world to elect a new pope.
