Korean cardinal says Leo XIV was elected with overwhelming support
Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik / Hankook Ilbo
Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Clergy, revealed that support “poured in” for newly elected Pope Leo XIV during the secret papal conclave, describing the election as a deeply fraternal and spiritual experience.
Speaking to Korean reporters at a press briefing held at the Vatican, Friday, a day after the 267th pope was chosen, Cardinal You recounted key moments from the conclave that elevated American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, 69, to the papacy.
“As you know, a candidate must receive two-thirds of the votes — at least 89 out of 133 — to be elected,” he said. “The moment we confirmed that he had crossed that threshold, everyone applauded and there was great excitement.” He emphasized that, unlike dramatic portrayals in films such as “Conclave,” the process was marked by “brotherhood, communion, and beauty, not political strife or backroom deals.”
Due to the oath of secrecy all cardinal-electors swear, Cardinal You did not disclose any specific voting results. However, given the public’s interest, he said he wished to share the overall atmosphere of the conclave.
Leo XIV was elected on the second day of the conclave, requiring only four rounds of voting — a relatively swift process. “From the first round, a few candidates stood out,” said Cardinal You. “By the second round, the field had narrowed further. In the third, it became even more focused, and by the fourth vote, support surged toward Leo XIV. It’s best when things converge like that.”
Cardinal You also offered insight into a moment that drew public attention — the contrast between the pope’s solemn demeanor during his first public appearance at St. Peter’s Basilica and the smiling faces of the cardinals. “There was an enormous crowd cheering outside. Who wouldn’t be excited to see that?” he said.
He also noted that all participants had received detailed biographical booklets on their fellow cardinals in advance, refuting the assumption that voting happens among strangers. “People think we go in not knowing each other, but that’s not the case,” he said.
When asked about the global attention on Leo XIV as the first American pope, Cardinal You responded, “We did not elect an ‘American,’ we elected a ‘missionary.’” He stressed that national origin had no bearing on the vote.
Regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s enthusiastic support for the American pope, Cardinal You responded cautiously, saying, “Let’s wait and see.” He pointed out that Pope Leo XIV had worked in the poorest districts of Peru, making him especially sensitive to the suffering of migrants. “Trump, on the other hand, began his presidency by building a wall,” he said, suggesting that, given the pope’s deep concern for migrant rights, he could issue a message opposing Trump’s hardline immigration policies.
Asked about views labeling Pope Leo XIV as a “moderate,” Cardinal You responded with a question of his own: “What defines reform, and what defines conservatism?” He cautioned against categorizing the pope’s stance based on limited issues. “He simply follows God and the Gospel,” he said.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.