Still considering the offer of Supreme Pontiff, Brannox reflects on his past, while Voiello makes clear his commitment to his mission’s success. After being elected pope and taking the name “John Paul III,” Brannox preaches the importance of family, truth and love in his first public homily and to the cardinals. Ester bonds with Fabiano, a widower and new member of the parish, who offers an unusual solution to her money woes. The Abbess of St. Therese and an anguished Sister Lisette are disheartened when their financial pleas fall on deaf ears.

Following an audience with Marilyn Manson, Brannox decides to pay a visit to Pius XIII and is confronted with the intensity of his predecessor's followers. Later, Brannox appoints Cardinal Spalletta, with whom he shares a past, to a new role. Voiello prepares for a long war with the defiant Sister Lisette after the nuns go on strike. The Church faces the prospect of bankruptcy as the Italian government looks to make changes. Gutierrez has a clandestine meeting, which he later confesses to the pontiff. An angry Fabiano questions Ester's commitment to her faith.

A confrontation with Spalletta leads Brannox to deliver some unwelcome news to Voiello. Sofia learns what her husband has been keeping from her. Voiello ties up loose ends. Ester expands her business and takes drastic action when she is met with opposition. Brannox agrees to a live televised interview that asks him to delve into his past.