Monthly Archives: April 2025

Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church

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During the Sede Vacante the person in charge of the affairs of the Church is the Chamberlain (Camerlengo) of the Holy Roman Church. Since 2019 that man has been the (Irish-born) American, Kevin Cardinal Farrell, former Bishop of Dallas, Texas and also former Auxiliary Bishop of Washington, DC.

During the time of the Sede Vacante he functions as the caretaker of the Church and the Regent of the Vatican City-State. The symbol of the Church since the time of the existence of the Papal States, the crossed keys and ombrellino, are placed above his existing coat of arms in the achievement. These may always be used during his tenure in office but, practically speaking, most of those who are Camerlengo make use of these added ornaments only during the Sede Vacante. Special coins will be struck to mark this moment in the Church’s history bearing the arms of the Camerlengo.

This version of Farrell’s arms is by Marco Foppoli.

Novemdiales

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In the midst of all the news out there about the death and burial of Pope Francis I didn’t bother to post anything. In addition, I was dealing with some personal matters during that time as well that prevented me from having the time for posting. We now find ourselves in the midst of the nine official days of mourning for a pope, the so-called Novemdiales. Now, the world waits the start of the Conclave which will commence on May 7.

I post here a funerary hatchment made by the Australian Heraldic Artist, Mr. Sandy Turnbull. May Pope Francis Rest in Peace.

Timothy Cardinal Radcliffe, OP

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It took a bit of time but the arms used by Timothy Cardinal Radcliffe, OP the Dominican friar who was created cardinal just last autumn by the late pope and who will now be an elector in the upcoming Conclave, has now been published.

He has not been ordained a bishop so there is no episcopal cross behind the shield in the achievement. Overall, he has chosen very Dominican looking symbols and a differenced version of the arms of Radcliffe. A very handsome coat of arms.