This Monday, April 21, with the passing of Pope Francis, the Vatican, the seat of Catholicism with nearly 1.4 billion followers, is under the responsibility of a single person, the cardinal camerlengo. This individual will assume an administrative role in the Holy See while the funeral preparations for Pope Francis take place. President Claudia Sheinbaum, who expressed her condolences for the Pontiff's death, is expected to clarify her attendance at the funeral.
The current cardinal camerlengo is Kevin Joseph Farrell, responsible for verifying the Pope's death, sealing his private rooms, and managing the assets of the Holy See. Farrell was the one who announced the death of Francis, who was recovering from bilateral pneumonia that had kept him hospitalized for several weeks.
"I inform with deep sorrow that Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 today. The Bishop of Rome has returned to the Father's house, his entire life dedicated to the service of the Lord and his Church, teaching us the value of the gospel with fidelity and universal love, especially towards the most needy," announced Farrell in Italy.
During the Sede Vacante, the cardinal camerlengo is also in charge of organizing the logistics for the conclave that will elect the next Pope. Farrell will oversee the placement of Pope Francis's body in his coffin in the Domus Sanctae Marthae chapel.
The College of Cardinals takes charge of leading the Catholic Church after the death of Pope Francis, but its power is limited regarding revoking previous decisions or changing ecclesiastical laws. Its main task is to organize the funerals and prepare the conclave. During this period, no appointments of bishops or cardinals can be made, nor can new diplomatic initiatives be started due to the absence of a Pontiff. The presence of numerous heads of state at the funerals is expected, given that the Pope is also a head of state.
