With the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88, the Vatican adopts a series of protocols linked to the funeral process and the choice of a new head of the Catholic Church in the conclave. During this period, known as the Vacant Headquarters, the Apostolic Sé, the headquarters of the Church of Rome, is now administered by Camerlengo, a cardinal who performs a function similar to that of the Pope’s assistant.
Currently, the Camerlengo post is occupied by Irish American cardinal Kevin Farrell. He has been in office since February 2019 after the death of French cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran.
Farrell, for example, is responsible for officially attesting to the death of the pontiff, which is later communicated to the faithful. Traditionally, the verification of death is done when the camerlengo gives three beats with a silver hammer on the pontiff’s head, while speaking his name.
The functions of Camerlengo are explained in the document known as Universid Dominici Gregis, a kind of constitution of the Church promulgated by Pope John Paul II in the nineties.
In addition to having to see the death of the pontiff, the Camerlengo is responsible for sealing the Papal residence and office inside the Vatican. The goal is to ensure that nothing is removed or altered in these spaces until a new Pope is elected and can take possession.
Camerlengo also has to prepare the Pope’s funeral in consultation with other church cardinals, especially if, in life, the Pope in question did not leave a plan ready for this moment. At this stage, issues such as the transfer of the body inside and outside the Vatican enter, prevent improper photos from being taken and organizing the entire step-by-step of the rite.
It is important to reinforce that these functions are performed in the name and with the consensus of the College of Cardinals. Camerlengo acts as an administrator and supervisor, ensuring that the transition to a new pontificate occurs in an organized manner and in accordance with the established standards.
During the vacant headquarters, the Camerlengo is responsible for managing the church’s property and becomes the Vatican’s inaugural real estate administrator, such as the apostolic palace, the Pontiff’s official residence, the Lateran Palace, former papal residence, and the apostolic palace of Castel Gandolfo, the Pope’s summer house. This last place is much explored in the movie “Two Popes”, by Brazilian director Fernando Meirelles.
Ensuring the quiet and safe progress of the Conclave is also an assignment of Camerlengo. The process of choosing the new head of the Catholic Church is extremely confidential.
The cardinals gather in the sistine chapel to closed doors and nothing that happens inside can be revealed, especially the vote. A Camerlengo prior magazine is made on site to ensure that there are no audio or video recording devices.
Finally, for belonging to the College of Cardinals, Camerlengo is also entitled to a new choice of the new Pope during the conclave.
