The Vatican has announced that Cardinal Kevin Farrell has assumed the role of interim head of the Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis on Monday.
Cardinal Farrell, who serves as the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, now oversees the administration of the Vatican during the interregnum—the period between the death of a pope and the election of his successor.
In this capacity, he is responsible for maintaining the day-to-day functions of the Apostolic See until a new pontiff is chosen by the College of Cardinals in a conclave.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, and now a naturalised American citizen, Cardinal Farrell, 77, has held various high-profile roles in the Church. Before his Vatican appointment, he served as Bishop of Dallas in the United States. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame.