Age, Biography and Wiki
Kevin Joseph Farrell is an Irish-born American Catholic cardinal, born on September 2, 1947, making him 77 years old as of 2025. Born in Dublin, Ireland, he later moved to the United States, where he dedicated much of his ministry and career. Ordained as a priest in 1978, Farrell has held several critical roles within the Catholic Church, including auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington and Bishop of Dallas. He was elevated to cardinal in 2016 and currently serves as Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, and President of the Supreme Court of Vatican City.
Farrell is known for his administrative expertise, serving as the interim manager (Camerlengo) of the Vatican following the death of Pope Francis in April 2025. He also holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame, underlining his background in both theology and management.
| Occupation | Religious Leader |
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| Date of Birth | 2 September 1947 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | Dublin, Ireland |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Ireland |
Height, Weight & Measurements
There is no widely published or official information regarding Cardinal Kevin Farrell’s height, weight, or physical measurements. In general, such personal data is not publicly disclosed for clergy members of his stature.
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Dating & Relationship Status
As a Roman Catholic cardinal, Kevin Farrell is required to remain celibate and is not married or publicly known to be in a romantic relationship. The Catholic Church mandates celibacy for clergy members in the Latin Rite.
After McCarrick was laicized in 2018 for credible allegations of sexual abuse against a minor, further reports of accusations and legal settlements emerged, dating back years. These revelations led to public questions about whether bishops and clerics closely associated with McCarrick, including Farrell, had been aware of these accusations and settlements.
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Net Worth and Salary
Net Worth:
There is no official public record of Kevin Farrell’s personal net worth. Unlike secular celebrities or high-profile business figures, Catholic cardinals do not amass significant personal wealth from their ecclesiastical roles. The Vatican provides modest accommodations and stipends, but Farrell’s lifestyle is expected to be simple and in keeping with his religious vows.
Salary:
Cardinals do not receive salaries comparable to those in private sector leadership roles. They are provided with housing, medical care, and a modest living allowance. Farrell’s primary compensation is in the form of support for his living and ministry expenses, not a conventional wage.
Career, Business and Investments
Career Highlights:
- Ordained Priest (1978): Began his ministry as a teacher and chaplain in Mexico and the United States.
- Auxiliary Bishop of Washington (2002–2007): Stepped into a key leadership role within one of the largest U.S. dioceses.
- Bishop of Dallas (2007–2017): Led the Diocese of Dallas for a decade.
- Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life (2016–present): Oversees matters related to lay Catholics, family life, and related initiatives.
- Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church (2019–present): Administers the property and revenues of the Holy See, especially during a papal vacancy.
- President of the Vatican City State Supreme Court (2024–present): Heads the Vatican’s highest tribunal.
- Vatican “Pension Czar” (2024): Appointed to oversee the management of Vatican assets, investments, and pension obligations.
He entered the novitiate of the Legionaries of Christ in Ireland in 1966. He then studied at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, where he earned a Master of Philosophy degree and Licentiate in Theology. He also attended the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, receiving a Master of Theology degree in dogmatic theology (1976) and a Licentiate of Sacred Theology in pastoral theology (1977). He also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame. Notre Dame also granted Farrell an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 2017.
Social Network
Kevin Farrell is not publicly active on major social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. His public presence is primarily through official Vatican communications and appearances.
Education
- Ordination: Ordained to the priesthood in 1978.
- University of Notre Dame: MBA, reflecting his expertise in both theology and administration.
- Professional Experience: Extensive experience in diocesan and Vatican administration, combined with a background in university teaching.
After his ordination in 1978, Farrell served as a chaplain and university teacher for several years in Mexico and worked in the United States from 1984 to 2016. He was an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington from 2002 to 2007 and Bishop of Dallas from 2007 to 2017. He was made a cardinal in 2016.
Farrell was ordained to the priesthood for the Legionaries of Christ by Cardinal Eduardo Pironio in Rome at Our Lady of Guadalupe Basilica on 24 December 1978. After his ordination, Farrell served as a chaplain at the University of Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico, where he also conducted seminars in bioethics and social ethics.
On 9 October 2016, Pope Francis announced he would raise Farrell to the rank of cardinal in a consistory on 19 November 2016. He was created a cardinal-deacon on that day and assigned to San Giuliano Martire Parish in Rome. On 10 June 2017, Pope Francis named Farrell a member of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, and on 23 December 2017, a member of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State. In July 2018, the University of Dallas named an administration building after Farrell, a former chancellor. On 14 February 2019, Pope Francis named Farrell as camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church.
On 7 June 2022, Pope Francis appointed Farrell as chair of the Pontifical Committee for Investments. According to Praedicate Evangelium, the committee is responsible for "guaranteeing the ethical nature of the Holy See’s equity investments in accordance with the Church’s social doctrine and, at the same time, monitoring their profitability, propriety, and degree of risk.
