Following the death of Pope Francis, speculation is mounting over who will succeed him, with South Korean Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik, 74, emerging as a prominent contender. Italy’s largest daily newspaper, Corriere della Sera, named You—prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Clergy—among 12 leading candidates for the papacy.
In an article published on Apr. 22, Corriere della Sera listed seven European cardinals, two from the United States, one from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines—figures who have frequently been mentioned in previous papal speculation. However, the inclusion of You, especially by a publication widely regarded as deeply informed on Vatican affairs, has drawn particular attention.
The paper introduced You with a brief profile, highlighting his affiliation with the Focolare Movement, known for its efforts to promote reconciliation between North and South Korea.
There has been ongoing discussion within the Catholic Church about the possibility of a non-European pope, particularly from Asia or Africa, where Catholicism is experiencing rapid growth. Yet many observers remain cautious, noting that the election of a second consecutive non-European pope—after Francis, the first Latin American pontiff—may be unlikely.
Cardinal You has long stood out in South Korea’s Catholic community. Known for describing himself as someone who “moves straight ahead,” he contrasts sharply with the traditionally solemn and reserved image of Korean clergy. He is widely regarded as candid, pragmatic, and action-oriented.
In 2023, he published a book in Italy structured as a dialogue with a senior Vatican official. Titled Lazzaro You Heung-sik: Come un fulmine da Oriente—translated into Korean as Lazarus You Heung-sik—the book offers insights into his personal convictions. “When I set a goal, I move straight toward it,” he wrote. “When I’m moving forward with something I believe I must do, other people’s judgments or obstacles don’t matter much. I simply keep going.”
That sense of resolve has defined his rise from a non-Catholic background to one of the highest-ranking posts in the Vatican. Despite his mother’s strong objections, he entered seminary. Later, while serving on a military base where religious activity was prohibited, he convinced his commanding officer to permit Sunday Liturgy of the Word services.
Born in Nonsan, Chungcheongnam-do, You graduated from the Catholic University of Korea’s School of Theology and earned a doctorate from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome. He was ordained in Rome in 1979, becoming fluent in Italian and developing a broad network within the Vatican. He was consecrated as a bishop in 2003 and appointed to lead the Daejeon Diocese in 2005.
He played a pivotal role in Pope Francis’s 2014 visit to South Korea. Then the bishop of Daejeon, You was instrumental in organizing Asian Youth Day. In a letter to the pope, he wrote, “While three million gathered in Brazil [for World Youth Day], we will only have 2,000 people. Still, we long to see you. Will you come?” Despite the unconventional and somewhat bold tone, the pope accepted the invitation, breaking precedent by attending a regional, rather than global, youth event.
In 2021, Pope Francis appointed You as prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy and elevated him to archbishop. The following year, he was named South Korea’s fourth cardinal. His rapid ascent—from bishop to archbishop to cardinal in just one year—distinguished him from his predecessors, including Cardinals Kim Sou-hwan, Cheong Jin-suk, and Yeom Soo-jung, all of whom were elevated while serving as archbishops of Seoul.
Throughout his tenure at the Vatican, Cardinal You has earned recognition for his approachable leadership and administrative acumen.
