The film begins with the unexpected death of the Pope, leaving the Catholic Church leaderless and the world in mourning. Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), the Dean of the College of Cardinals, is tasked with overseeing the conclave, a centuries-old process shrouded in secrecy. Lawrence, a seasoned but introspective figure, is committed to ensuring the sanctity and integrity of the election, despite his own doubts about his faith and the institution he serves.
As cardinals from around the world gather in Rome, the stakes become clear. The Church faces internal divisions and external pressures, and the choice of the new Pope could shape its future for decades. Among the prominent candidates are Cardinal Aldo Bellini (Stanley Tucci), a progressive reformer aligned with the late Pope’s vision of modernization; Cardinal Joshua Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati), a conservative African prelate with a strong following among traditionalists; Cardinal Joseph Tremblay (John Lithgow), a moderate Canadian who positions himself as a unifier; and Cardinal Goffredo Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), a staunch traditionalist representing the powerful Italian faction.
Before the conclave officially begins, the cardinals engage in informal discussions and alliances, revealing the undercurrents of ambition and rivalry within the College. Cardinal Lawrence, while striving to remain impartial, observes the growing tensions and the personal agendas at play. The first round of voting results in no clear majority, reflecting the deep divisions within the Church.
The dynamics shift dramatically with the unexpected arrival of Archbishop Vincent Benitez, who claims to have been secretly appointed as a cardinal by the late Pope. Benitez’s presence shocks the assembled cardinals, as his existence was unknown to most of them. Cardinal Lawrence, following protocol, verifies Benitez’s credentials and allows him to participate, but the mysterious newcomer becomes a focal point of intrigue and speculation.
As the conclave progresses, secrets and scandals among the candidates begin to surface, further complicating the election. Cardinal Tremblay is implicated in a bribery scandal, damaging his credibility among the electors. Cardinal Adeyemi faces allegations of a past indiscretion, which some cardinals use to discredit his candidacy. Cardinal Bellini’s progressive stance alienates traditionalists, while Cardinal Tedesco’s hardline views draw criticism from reformists. The revelations lead to shifting alliances and a series of inconclusive votes, plunging the conclave into a stalemate.
Amidst the political maneuvering, an external crisis erupts: a terrorist attack occurs in Rome, targeting a nearby religious site. The shocking event heightens the urgency of electing a new Pope who can guide the Church through turbulent times. The attack also amplifies the ideological divide among the cardinals, with Tedesco advocating for a militant response and Benitez calling for dialogue and reconciliation.
As Cardinal Lawrence navigates the increasingly fraught situation, he is drawn to Benitez, whose humility and wisdom stand in stark contrast to the ambition and intrigue surrounding the other candidates. Benitez’s speeches about faith, service, and unity resonate deeply with many of the cardinals, positioning him as a potential compromise candidate.
The final vote approaches, and tensions reach their peak. In a dramatic twist, Benitez emerges as the leading candidate and is elected Pope Innocent XIV. The announcement is met with mixed reactions among the cardinals and the public, as Benitez’s unexpected rise challenges the established order.
Shortly after the election, Cardinal Lawrence discovers a shocking secret about the new Pope: Benitez is intersex, a detail known only to the late Pope. The revelation raises questions about tradition, identity, and the Church’s ability to embrace change. Lawrence, after much reflection, decides to support Pope Innocent XIV, believing that his election represents a divine choice and a step toward a more inclusive Church.
The film ends with Pope Innocent XIV stepping onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, addressing the crowd for the first time. His words, filled with hope and humility, signal a new chapter for the Catholic Church, one marked by faith, resilience, and the possibility of transformation.
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