Conclave

The unnamed pope dies unexpectedly from a heart attack, causing immediate unrest within the Catholic Church. This event sets in motion the papal conclave that will determine his successor.

The College of Cardinals gathers in seclusion to select the new pope, with Cardinal-Dean Thomas Lawrence presiding over the proceedings. The atmosphere is charged as the cardinals know the weight of their decisions.

To everyone's surprise, Archbishop Benitez from Kabul arrives to join the conclave, revealing that the late pope had secretly made him a cardinal. This unexpected entry complicates the election as the cardinals now have one more contender to consider.

The four main candidates are introduced: Bellini, Adeyemi, Tremblay, and Tedesco. Each candidate presents a distinct vision for the future of the Church, creating a clash of ideologies among the cardinals.

Cardinal-Dean Lawrence grapples with his own crisis of faith while navigating the political landscape of the election. He ultimately casts his vote for Bellini but is keenly aware of the underlying tensions.

Before the first vote, Lawrence delivers a speech urging the cardinals to embrace diversity. This speech is seen by many as a veiled campaign pitch, indicating Lawrence's deeper ambitions.

After the first vote, no candidate achieves the two-thirds majority needed for election. Adeyemi emerges with a slight edge, while multiple cardinals show support for Lawrence, igniting tensions among the factions.

A nun confronts Adeyemi in the conclave's cafeteria, revealing a secret from their past. This confrontation leads Lawrence to confront Adeyemi, who admits the truth but seeks forgiveness.

Lawrence attempts to blackmail Tremblay about his manipulative tactics in the conclave. However, Tremblay retorts with accusations against Lawrence, escalating the conflict between the two.

Lawrence uncovers documents proving that Tremblay bribed cardinals for votes. This scandalous information prompts Bellini to reconsider his support for Lawrence and ultimately leads to Tremblay's downfall.

A devastating suicide bombing in Rome kills 52 people and indiscriminately damages the historic Sistine Chapel. The tragedy forces a serious reevaluation of the Church's priorities and the political maneuverings of the conclave.

In the midst of turmoil and chaos, the cardinals elect Archbishop Benitez as the new pope. This decision represents a significant shift for the Church, as various factions rally around his candidacy.

Just before Benitez's election is announced, Lawrence learns of a secret regarding Benitez's gender identity, which could jeopardize his position. Instead of exposing Benitez, Lawrence chooses to protect him out of loyalty to the late pope.

As the announcement of Benitez's election is made, crowds gather outside in celebration. Lawrence watches as the masses cheer for a new era in the Church while reflecting on his choices and the weight of the past.