Cardinal Tauran Takes Oath as Camerlengo

Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, has taken the oath as Camerlengo of the Catholic Church.

According to the director of the Holy See Press Office, Father Federico Lombardi, Pope Francis presided over the short liturgy planned for this morning’s occasion in the Urban VIII Chapel. He read the liturgical texts provided, without making any speech. Cardinal Tauran read the text of the oath, and then gave some brief words of thanks.

The French cardinal was appointed camerlengo on December 20, 2014.

The camerlengo, in the event of the death or resignation of the pope, is one of only two officials who retains their positions in the Vatican administration. His role is to administer the temporal goods of the Church until a new pope is elected.

In addition, the Camerlengo also verifies the pontiff's death and then destroys his ring.