Former Dallas bishop temporarily leads Catholic Church
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Dallas bishop Kevin Joseph Farrell (center) was appointed a cardinal in 2016 at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Photo: Franco Origlia/Getty Images
A former Dallas bishop is in charge of the Catholic Church until a new pope is chosen.
Driving the news: Pope Francis, 88, died the day after attending Easter services at St. Peter's Basilica and weeks after he was released from an extended hospital stay for pneumonia.
- Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, 77, who was bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas from 2007 to 2016, now holds one of the most powerful positions in the church as its chamberlain.
The latest: Farrell announced Pope Francis' death Monday and presided over the certification of the pope's death and laying of his body in a coffin.
- He was also tasked with securing the pope's room and removing the papal ring, the New York Times reported. The piece of jewelry is destroyed after a pope's death, and a new one is forged for the next leader.
Flashback: Francis appointed the Irish-born Farrell as chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church in 2019, giving him the authority to temporarily lead the church after his death.
- Last year, Francis appointed Farrell to also preside over the Vatican City State Supreme Court.
His final words: "I would like all of us to hope anew and to revive our trust in others, including those who are different than ourselves, or who come from distant lands, bringing unfamiliar customs, ways of life and ideas," the progressive pontiff shared in his final Easter message.
Zoom in: The Catholic Diocese of Dallas held a Mass on Monday in downtown Dallas in honor of Pope Francis. Near the front sat a photo of the pope releasing a dove and smiling.
- "I find it amazing that on Easter Sunday, our Holy Father was in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, with the faithful. … In his ill health, he saw the need to be with the flock," Bishop Edward J. Burns said during the Mass.
What's next: Faith leaders, mourners and international officials are expected to visit the Vatican in the coming days for a public viewing and Mass.
- The pope chose to be buried at the Saint Mary Major Basilica in Rome, reflecting his simplicity and willingness to carve a nontraditional path.
- Church leaders will gather for a secretive vote to decide who will be the 267th pope.
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