After the death of Pope Francis, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell from Dublin has taken over as the temporary head of the Catholic Church. He will lead the Church until a new Pope is chosen.

Farrell, 77, grew up in a working-class family in Drimnagh, where Irish was spoken at home. Over the years, he became one of the top leaders in the Vatican. His views are more traditional compared to Pope Francis, especially on same-sex marriage, which he strongly opposes. Still, Pope Francis trusted him enough to appoint him as “camerlengo” — the person in charge of managing things between Popes.

Now, Cardinal Farrell’s job is to prepare for the papal conclave. This is a private meeting where cardinals come together to vote on the next Pope. The meeting must happen 15 to 20 days after the Pope’s death. Once a new Pope is chosen, white smoke will rise from a chimney at the Vatican — a centuries-old sign that the decision is made.

Farrell will likely stay as camerlengo until he turns 80 or steps down. While it’s not expected, there’s a small chance that he could be chosen as the next Pope.

At the moment, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippines, a progressive leader, and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a candidate similar to Pope Francis, are seen as more likely choices.

Cardinal Farrell’s career took off after Pope Francis became Pope in 2013. In 2016, the Pope gave him an important new role in the Vatican and later made him camerlengo in 2019.

After Pope Francis’s death, Farrell shared kind words, saying the Pope always served the Church with love and dedication, especially caring for the poor and those in need.