An Irish-born American cardinal was entrusted by Pope Francis to be the camerlengo, the Vatican official who runs the Holy See after the death of one pontiff and before the election of another.

Following Pope Francis' death Monday at age 88, the Vatican will have an acting head until a new pontiff is chosen during the conclave process. That acting head, or camerlengo, is Cardinal Kevin Farrell,

On Wednesday morning, the late Pope’s body will be brought from the private chapel of the Casa Santa Marta residence where he had chosen to live to St Peter’s Basilica

As leaders from around the world pay tribute to the late Pope Francis, China's President Xi Jinping has not offered his condolences.

The death of Francis was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Irish-born Vatican camerlengo, a position that will be important in the coming weeks as he takes charge of the administration of the Holy See until a new pope is elected.