In the midst of a period of transition for the Catholic Church, two men have taken on the important task of administering the Church during this interim period. Meet the Irish-American Camerlengo and Italian dean who are leading the Church through this time of change.
The Irish-American Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, was appointed by Pope Francis in 2016. With a strong background in pastoral work and leadership, he brings a wealth of experience to the role. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Cardinal Farrell was one of four children in a devout Catholic family. His faith was instilled in him from a young age and he went on to study at the seminary in Rome, where he was ordained as a priest in 1978.
After serving in various roles within the Church, including as a pastor in Washington D.C. and as a bishop in the Diocese of Dallas, Cardinal Farrell was appointed as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life in 2016. This role not only gave him the opportunity to work closely with Pope Francis, but also prepared him for his current role as Camerlengo.
As Camerlengo, Cardinal Farrell is responsible for the administration of the Church during the period between the death or resignation of a pope and the election of a new one. This role is crucial in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Church during this time of transition. Cardinal Farrell’s experience in pastoral work and his close relationship with Pope Francis make him well-suited for this important task.
Joining Cardinal Farrell in this interim period is the Italian dean, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. Born in Borno, Italy, Cardinal Re was ordained as a priest in 1957. He has served in various roles within the Vatican, including as the Substitute for General Affairs in the Secretariat of State and as the Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.
Cardinal Re also brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role as dean. As the dean, he is responsible for overseeing the College of Cardinals and the conclave for the election of a new pope. This includes setting the date for the conclave and ensuring that all preparations are in place. His experience and expertise in the inner workings of the Vatican make him an invaluable asset during this time of transition.
Together, Cardinal Farrell and Cardinal Re are leading the Church through a period of change with grace and wisdom. Their shared commitment to the Catholic faith and their dedication to serving the Church make them the perfect team to guide the Church during this time.
Their leadership and coordination have been especially crucial during the current pandemic, as they have worked closely with Pope Francis in making decisions regarding the safety and well-being of the Church. Their efforts have been instrumental in ensuring that the Church continues to fulfill its mission of spreading love, hope, and compassion during these challenging times.
As the world looks to the Vatican for guidance and comfort, Cardinal Farrell and Cardinal Re have stepped up to the challenge with strength and resilience. Their leadership during this interim period is a testament to their unwavering faith and commitment to the Church.
In conclusion, the Irish-American Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, and the Italian dean, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, are two men who have dedicated their lives to serving the Catholic Church. Their roles as Camerlengo and dean have placed them at the forefront of leading the Church during this interim period. With their experience, wisdom, and love for the Church, they are guiding the faithful through this time of transition with grace and strength. We are grateful for their leadership and pray for their continued guidance as the Church moves forward into the future.
