2025 Conclave

Of the 135 cardinals eligible to enter the Sistine Chapel on May 7 to elect the next pope, one absence has sparked confusion, controversy and no small amount of speculation, almost as if it were a plot point of the movie “Conclave.”

As prefect of the Vatican office tasked with overseeing and supporting the world’s priests and permanent deacons, Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-sik has brought his unique experience in formation and evangelization from South Korea to the universal church.

Each step of this conclave process is steeped in meaning and tradition, which is wonderful, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to explain to kids.