Who Takes Over After the Pope Dies?

The recent passing of a Pope initiates a carefully orchestrated transition within the Catholic Church, a period governed by tradition and overseen by key figures who step into temporary leadership roles. While the film Conclave dramatizes this process, the reality involves Cardinals Kevin Farrell and Giovanni Battista Re assuming critical responsibilities in the immediate aftermath of papal death, as recently occurred with Pope Francis.

Cardinal Farrell, a 77-year-old Irish-American, serves as the Camerlengo, or Chamberlain, of the Holy Roman Church – effectively the interim administrator. Appointed by Pope Francis in 2019, his initial duties included announcing the Pope’s death and sealing the papal apartments. Beyond these ceremonial tasks, the Camerlengo manages the Church’s finances, oversees funeral arrangements, and prepares for the conclave – the gathering of cardinals who will elect the next Pope. Historically, the position rarely leads to the papacy itself, with only a few instances – Leo XIII in 1878 and Pius XII in 1939 – of a Camerlengo being elected Pope.

Farrell’s background reveals a cardinal aligned with progressive elements within the Church. He’s voiced support for increased women’s participation and defended the rights of migrants, echoing Pope Francis’s own priorities. However, his tenure hasn’t been without controversy, including a ban on a women’s ordination advocate speaking at a Vatican event and questioning the role of priests in marriage counseling. These actions, alongside his numerous appointments by the late Pope, demonstrate a level of trust and suggest a shared vision for the Church’s future.

Alongside Farrell, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, plays a vital role. Born in 1934, Re is a veteran of the Vatican’s diplomatic service and holds a doctorate in canon law. As Dean, he is responsible, alongside the Camerlengo, for communicating the Pope’s death and summoning the conclave. While the Dean doesn’t wield direct authority over the cardinal electors, the position historically carries significant influence, as evidenced by Joseph Ratzinger’s election as Dean in 2002, followed by his ascension to the papacy as Benedict XVI three years later.

Notably, both Re and his vice dean are over the age of 80, disqualifying them from participating in the voting process. This means administrative responsibilities during the conclave will fall to the next most senior cardinal. Despite this, Re’s extensive knowledge of the Roman Curia and decades of service will undoubtedly be invaluable during the transition.

The interplay between Farrell and Re highlights the delicate balance between tradition and progress within the Catholic Church. While the process is steeped in centuries-old rituals, the individuals entrusted with guiding the transition reflect the evolving priorities and challenges facing the Church today. The coming conclave will not only determine the next Pope but also offer a glimpse into the future direction of one of the world’s most influential institutions.