Could world see its first Korean pope? Cardinal You gains attention

Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik speaks during a press conference for the release of his book "Lazzaro You Heung-sik: Come la folgore viene da Oriente" at the Archdiocese of Seoul, July 22, 2023. Yonhap

Following the death of Pope Francis, Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for the Clergy, has emerged as a potential candidate for the next pontiff.

As a high-ranking prelate from Asia, where the Catholic Church is rapidly growing, You is being considered a compelling figure to carry forward the pope’s legacy, and possibly become the first Korean and first Asian pope in history.

On Thursday, Italy’s Corriere della Sera newspaper named 12 likely papal contenders, of whom only three are from outside the Western world: Cardinal You, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

While Tagle and Besungu have previously been mentioned as front-runners, this marks the first time You has entered the list. The Italian daily described him as a member of the Focolare Movement, known for its emphasis on unity and peace, traits that align with his symbolic status as a figure for inter-Korean reconciliation.

Though some say the global Church is not yet ready for a non-Western pope, the unpredictable nature of the conclave, the secret gathering of cardinals to elect a new pontiff, leaves room for surprises. Pope Francis himself was not among the top contenders when he was elected in 2013.

You’s Korean background further strengthens his candidacy. Korea is one of the few countries in Asia where Catholicism spread through laypeople rather than missionaries.

The Korean Catholic Church is known for its active overseas missions and ranks eighth or ninth globally in financial contributions to the Vatican. Given this, analysts say that if Cardinal You is elected, it could facilitate the Church’s growth in Asia and other parts of the developing world.

Lightning bolt from the East

In a 2023 interview collection titled "Lazzaro You Heung-sik: Come la folgore viene da Oriente" (Lightning bolt from the East), the cardinal said, “As long as I am doing what I must do, other people’s judgments and obstacles are of little concern. I simply move forward.”

Vatican Secretary of State Father Francesco Cosentino, who penned the foreword, described You’s insight as “lightning that shines from the young, vibrant Church of the East, nourished by the blood of martyrs.”

Cardinal You’s journey reflects the self-taught nature of Korean Catholicism. Born in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, to a non-Christian family, he entered the priesthood despite opposition from his mother. After earning a theology degree in Korea, he pursued doctoral studies in Rome. He was ordained a bishop in 2003 and became bishop of the Daejeon Diocese in 2005.

His ties with Pope Francis go back to 2014 when, as bishop of Daejeon, he invited the pope to Korea for Asian Youth Day. Francis accepted, and the trip sparked a lasting relationship.

In 2021, the pope appointed You as prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy, one of the highest offices in the Vatican, and promoted him to archbishop. A year later, he was made a cardinal, marking a rare, rapid ascent without holding the traditional post of Seoul archbishop.

Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik receives the red biretta, a symbol of his rank, from Pope Francis during the consistory held at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican in 2022. EPA-Yonhap

Respected voice for justice, peace

You oversees more than 500,000 priests and deacons worldwide and is widely respected in the Roman Curia. Known for his energy, fluency in Italian and down-to-earth approach, he quickly gained trust within the Vatican.

He has also been a visible advocate for justice. During the recent Constitutional Court deliberations on former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, You drew attention by echoing Pope Francis’ words that “there is no neutrality in suffering,” urging the court to deliver a swift and clear ruling.

In Korea, You has led efforts to memorialize Catholic martyrs, including the installation of a statue of St. Andrew Kim Tae-gon at St. Peter’s Basilica in 2023. He also spearheaded a COVID-19 vaccine donation campaign for developing nations, making Korea the first diocese in the world to do so.

As the Church prepares for the conclave following Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday, all eyes are on the possibility that lightning may strike from the East.

Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy, speaks to the press at the Vatican on Tuesday, saying that "Pope Francis sincerely loved Korea" as he delivers a message following the pontiff’s death, highlighting his deep concern for issues on the Korean Peninsula. Yonhap

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.