Meet the Irish-American Camerlengo and Italian Dean: The Guardians of the Church During the Interim Period
As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church is faced with the daunting task of finding a successor to lead its 1.2 billion followers. In the meantime, the Church is being administered by two individuals who hold significant roles in the Vatican – the Irish-American Camerlengo and the Italian Dean.
The Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, is a familiar face in the Vatican. Born in Ireland, he moved to the United States at a young age and eventually became a naturalized citizen. He has served as the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life since 2016 and was appointed as the Camerlengo by Pope Francis in 2019.
The role of the Camerlengo, which means “chamberlain” in Italian, is to oversee the temporal and financial affairs of the Vatican during the interim period between the death of a Pope and the election of a new one. This includes sealing the papal apartments and overseeing the preparations for the conclave, the gathering of cardinals to elect the new Pope.
Cardinal Farrell’s experience in managing the Church’s finances and his close relationship with Pope Francis make him a trusted and capable Camerlengo. In a recent interview, he stated that his main focus during this interim period is to ensure that the Church continues to function smoothly and that the conclave is conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
On the other hand, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, is responsible for overseeing the spiritual and pastoral needs of the Church during this time. Born in Italy, he has served as the Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops and the Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals before being appointed as the Dean in 2020 by Pope Francis.
The Dean’s role is crucial in maintaining the unity and stability of the Church during this transitional period. He is responsible for organizing the funeral of the late Pope and presiding over the daily meetings of the cardinals. Cardinal Re’s extensive experience in the Vatican and his deep knowledge of Church doctrine make him a respected and influential figure among his peers.
Both Cardinal Farrell and Cardinal Re have been working closely together to ensure a smooth transition for the Church. They have been meeting with the heads of various Vatican departments to discuss the ongoing projects and to address any urgent matters that may arise. They have also been in constant communication with the cardinals to keep them updated on the preparations for the conclave.
Their dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. In a recent statement, the Vatican spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, praised the Camerlengo and the Dean for their “tireless efforts” in managing the Church during this challenging time. He also emphasized that they are working in close collaboration with the entire College of Cardinals to ensure a successful conclave.
As the world eagerly awaits the election of the new Pope, the Camerlengo and the Dean continue to carry out their duties with utmost professionalism and devotion. Their leadership and guidance are crucial in maintaining the stability and unity of the Church during this interim period.
In conclusion, the Irish-American Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, and the Italian Dean, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, are the guardians of the Church during this transitional period. Their experience, knowledge, and dedication make them the perfect team to lead the Church and ensure a smooth transition for the next Pope. Let us keep them in our prayers as they carry out their important responsibilities with grace and humility.
