Cardinal

Kevin Joseph Cardinal Farrell

Devoted servant, profound writer and unwavering pillar fortifying the Church’s sacred foundation.

Kevin Joseph Cardinal Farrell

Discover His Story

Birthdate

September 2, 1947 (77 years)

Birthplace

Dublin, Ireland

Voting Status

Voting

Position

Archbishop Emeritus of San Francisco

Titular Church

Nostra Signora di Guadalupe a Monte Mario

Consistory

19 November 2016

The Life of Kevin Joseph Cardinal Farrell

 
Early Beginnings
 

Kevin Joseph Cardinal Farrell was born with a deep faith that blossomed early in his life. Raised in a loving family that valued prayer and service, he learned the beauty of the Church and the wisdom of its traditions from an early age. His passion for the faith was evident in his sincere devotion to God and the call to serve.

1

Pastoral Leadership and Transparency

Cardinal Farrell has been a beacon of hope and honesty in challenging times. His commitment to addressing past hardships within the Church—especially in confronting abuse and seeking healing—has provided a new model of pastoral care marked by openness and accountability.

 
Call to Priesthood
 

After years of thoughtful reflection and prayer, Kevin answered the call to the priesthood. He pursued studies in theology with great zeal, learning from the Church Fathers and the lives of the saints. His simple, yet profound, approach to faith drew many to the warmth and clarity of Catholic teachings.

2

Advocacy for Social Justice and Human Dignity

With a heart that beats for the marginalized, Cardinal Farrell has tirelessly championed the causes of social justice. His work reminds us that every person is made in the image of God, urging the faithful to stand in solidarity with those facing economic and social hardships, and to foster a society grounded in compassion and fairness.

 
Years of Service
 

In his long ministry, Cardinal Farrell has touched countless lives through his gentle guidance and steadfast commitment. His work is marked by:

  • Compassionate Leadership: always offering kind words and support to those in need.
  • Steadfast Teaching: sharing simple truths of the Gospel that uplift the spirit.
  • Humble Service: working with the community to build a deeper faith.

His dedication in various parishes and dioceses has made a lasting impact, reminding the faithful of the beauty of a life devoted to God.

3

Promoter of Unity and Synodality

Cardinal Farrell has played a significant role in enhancing the unity of the Catholic Church. He has encouraged open dialogue and collective decision-making, nurturing an environment where every voice matters. His dedication to synodality has helped bridge divides, strengthening communion within the global Church and deepening our shared commitment to the Gospel.

 
Legacy of Faith
 

Appointed as a Cardinal, Kevin Joseph Farrell stands as a beacon of hope and simplicity in the modern Church. His legacy is one of prayer, mercy, and unwavering commitment to the truth. Through his life and work, many find inspiration to embrace a path of service, humility, and deep devotion to the teachings of Christ.

Discover, Learn, Grow

Explore insightful articles on Catholic teachings, spirituality, and daily faith.

Kevin Joseph Cardinal Farrell's Writings

The Light of Mercy and Renewal



This work embodies Cardinal Farrell’s passionate call to experience God’s mercy afresh. In clear and simple language, he invites the faithful to open their hearts to the forgiveness and healing offered by Christ. Through gentle meditations and timeless wisdom, his words guide believers to embrace renewal in everyday life.



Embracing Pastoral Care in Modern Times

1f

In this teaching, Cardinal Farrell articulates a compassionate vision for contemporary pastoral care. He explains how the Church can act as a caring guide amid today’s challenges. His reflections, marked by clarity and compassion, encourage active listening, love, and support for all who seek guidance in a complex world.



The Bridge of Tradition and Contemporary Faith

1f

This writing weaves together the enduring wisdom of the Church Fathers with the needs of today's believers. Cardinal Farrell underscores that the rich heritage of the Church is a living beacon, illuminating pathways for dialogue between ancient traditions and modern challenges. His insights foster an understanding that faith grows stronger when rooted in tradition while engaging with the present.



Pathways to Spiritual Resilience

1f

In this profound work, Cardinal Farrell discusses the journey towards inner strength amidst life’s trials. Drawing inspiration from the lives of saints, his simple yet powerful words show how prayer, hope, and love nurture spiritual resilience. His teaching provides a roadmap for believers to transform suffering into a journey of growth and deepened faith.



How to Contact Kevin Joseph Cardinal Farrell

Below is one example of a publicly available mailing address used for correspondence. Please note that Cardinal Farrell is Archbishop Emeritus of Boston, so contacting him is often coordinated by the Archdiocese of Boston. You may try sending your letter to:

Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell

Office of the Cardinal

Archdiocese of Boston

1000 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02115

Before sending, you might want to verify the address through the Archdiocese’s official website or contact their office for the most up‐to‐date information.

FAQs

Explore key facts and common questions about Cardinal's age, roles, and other.

Browse the Library
How old is Kevin Joseph Cardinal Farrell?

Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell's Age

 

Born on June 11, 1938, Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, a beacon of our enduring Catholic tradition, is 85 years old as of 2023. His years of service reflect a profound commitment to faith and the sanctity of our Church, inspiring countless souls to pursue a deeper relationship with God.

 

When did Kevin Joseph Cardinal Farrell become a cardinal?

 Cardinal Farrell’s Elevation 

Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell was elevated to the College of Cardinals on February 22, 2014 by Pope Francis. This sacred moment in his ministry not only honors his lifelong dedication to the Church but also inspires countless faithful to pursue justice, mercy, and the profound call of Christ to serve His People.

  • Date of Elevation: February 22, 2014
What roles has Kevin Joseph Cardinal Farrell held in the church?

Cardinal Farrell’s Church Roles

 

Kevin Joseph Cardinal Farrell has devoted his life to the service of the Church in several distinguished roles. He served as Archbishop of Melbourne, where his pastoral leadership greatly enriched the local Catholic community. Later, he was elevated to Cardinal, affirming his vital contributions to our universal Church. Additionally, he has held the esteemed position of Prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, guiding initiatives that nurture family values and lay participation.