Vacant See: The Camerlengo in the Spotlight

As provided for by current law, upon the announcement of Pope Francis's death, the Roman Curia underwent an immediate transformation. As previously mentioned, the heads of the dicasteries are considered to have resigned. It is a measure more symbolic than anything else, since in reality, the influence of these high-ranking prelates remains intact. This general suspension is primarily intended to mark the rupture of papal authority and to prepare the ground for a new reign.

Significant exceptions have been made for the management of day-to-day affairs. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo, and the Major Penitentiary, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, have retained their positions, assuming essential responsibilities. Thus, the Camerlengo plays a central role, supervising the temporary administration and submitting to the College of Cardinals, who meet daily in the Synod Hall, decisions that would have been the responsibility of the Roman Pontiff.

Similarly, the Cardinal Vicar for the Diocese of Rome, the Cardinal Archpriest of the Vatican Basilica, and the Vicar General for Vatican City have retained their functions, in accordance with current norms: all these exceptions are intended to ensure continuity in key jurisdictions, notably in Rome and the Vatican, the nuclear heart of the Catholic Church.

Out of the spotlight until now, Cardinal Farrell has emerged as a pivotal figure in the vacancy of the Apostolic See. Informed of the death of the Argentine pontiff, he had to officially acknowledge the death in the presence of Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, and the Secretary-Chancellor of the Apostolic Chamber, who drew up the death certificate. This solemn formality marked the beginning of the Camerlengo's expanded responsibilities.

Accompanied by the Secretary of State, he sealed the Pope's study and bedroom at St. Martha’s House and the papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace, which Francis did not occupy. He also symbolically took possession of the Apostolic Palaces at the Vatican, the Lateran, and Castel Gandolfo, ensuring their care and management. In consultation with the heads of the three cardinal orders, he organized the preparations for Francis's burial on Saturday, April 26, according to his will.

Finally, with the support of three cardinal assistants—renewed every three days by vote—and the approval of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Farrell ensures the protection of the rights of the Holy See and the proper administration of its temporal goods. The Major Penitentiary, for his part, continues to exercise his ministry, ensuring spiritual continuity in an essential area of ​​the Church's mission. 

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, also plays a key role. Informed of the death of Pope Francis by the Camerlengo, it is his responsibility to summon the cardinals for the daily congregations of the Sacred College and to notify the diplomatic corps and foreign heads of state. This diplomatic and organizational function strengthens the unity of the College of Cardinals in the face of the imminent transition.

Since April 21, certain subordinate functions have remained active. The Substitute Secretary of State, Edgar Pena Parra, the Secretary for Relations with States, Richard O'Gallagher, and the secretaries of the dicasteries continue to run their departments under the supervision of the College of Cardinals.

Finally, civil power over Vatican City has been transferred to the College of Cardinals, which can, however, only legislate in cases of emergency. Its decrees only come into permanent effect with the approval of the new pope, who should be known within 15 to 29 days, if all goes well.