Established as an authority during the papal transition, Cardinal Camarlengo plays a key role in the Church. Its function becomes relevance during the funeral process of a high pontiff or in the period of vacant headquarterswhen the interim administration of the Holy See assumes.
This title, although little known, is one of the main positions close to the Supreme Pontiff, since It is part of the papal court and is at the service of the Pope.
The term Cardinal Camarlengoaccording to Fray Edwin Alvarado, comes from Latin CAMERIUSwhich means “Chamber Officer.”
This position Its main function is the administration of the properties of the Catholic Church in the Vatican. Therefore, his name also refers to the Guardian of the “Treasury Chamber.”
The shrimp is appointed by the Pope as a member of his court and is the in charge of administering the church in the Vatican while the cardinals participate in the conclave To choose a new pontiffprocess that can be extended for several days.
Read more: conclave: what is it, what is it for and when it is celebrated
Who is the current shrimp?
The current Cardinal Camarlengo is the Irishman Kevin Joseph Farrell, designated by Pope Francis in February 2019. In addition, he exercises as a prefect of the Dicastery for the laity, the family and life.
His path in the Church began in 1966, when he entered the novitiate of the Legionaries of Christ. In December 1978, he was ordained a priest in Rome.
He was appointed Bishop of Dallas, Texas in 2007, where he stood out for his proximity to immigrant communities and his commitment to social justice.
Camarlengo as provisional representative
This position arose in the eleventh century, after the archdiacone of the Roman Church became an obstacle to the independence of the Pope due to the high administrative privileges he possessed. In response, in 1073, Pope Gregory VII decided to replace that position with that of Camarlengo.
The portal Catholic.net He points out that, historically, “Camarlengo’s trade not only involved the supervision of the immediate properties of the Holy See, but also included the fiscal administration of the Pontifical States, the Patrimonium Petriprior to acquiring its interim administrator functions ”.
Among its main functions, Camarlengo was responsible, within the Pontifical States, of being Minister of Finance, Public Works and Commerce. He also had the responsibility of delivering the bulls to the different dioceses, registering the offerings of the faithful, protecting the Taxae “Debts books paid by the Church – and administer civil and criminal jurisdiction on the officers of the Apostolic Chamber.
This position was born with the purpose of managing the assets of the Church without the power to make decisions of great impact, especially in religious matters.
Given the eventual resignation or death of a Pope, the Camarlengo acquires greater relevance, since it manages the transition of the pontificate and, in case of being chosen in the conclave, could become the new Supreme Pontiff.
Camarlengo functions before the vacant headquarters
During the period of vacant headquartersCardinal Camarlengo has the responsibility of complying with the rituals established by the Church in the event of the death of a Supreme Pontiff, as well as calling the conclave for the choice of a new Pope.
After the announcement of the death of the pontiff, the shrimp must confirm the death hitting three times the deceased’s head with a silver hammer, while calling him by his first name three times.
Once the death of the Pope is certified, he must proceed to the destruction of the fisherman’s ring and the sealing of the papal rooms.
Obligations according to the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis
According to article 17 of the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis: “The shrimp must also seal the study and room of the pontiff, providing that the personnel who live in the private apartment can remain in it until after the burial of the Pope.”
Subsequently, Camarlengo must:
- Order the sealing of the Pontifical Apartment.
- Officially communicate the death of the pontiff to Cardinal Vicar for the city, who will notify the Roman people through a special announcement.
- Inform Cardinal Arciprest of the Vatican Basilica.
- Take possession of the Vatican Apostolic Palace and, personally or through a delegate, assume control of Lateran’s palaces and Castel Gandolfo, guaranteeing their custody and administration.
- Organize, together with the cardinals of the three orders, the details of the Pontiff’s grave, unless he has left previous instructions.
- Ensure the defense of the rights of the Holy See and its correct administration.
- Manage the temporary assets and rights of the Holy See, with the assistance of three cardinals attending and under the consent of the Cardenalicio College.
This cardinal will be responsible for the church government during the period of vacant headquartersassuming administrative functions, although without exercising spiritual leadership, which corresponds to the Cardinal College.
Among its main responsibilities are the organization of the funeral of the pontiff, the call of the conclave and, once the process is finished, the announcement of the new Pope.