The New Pope

Following his sudden heart attack, Pope Pius XIII lies in a coma; as the threat of terrorism and the potential risks of Pius' idolatry loom, Secretary of State Cardinal Voiello makes a hasty move that throws the church into even greater chaos.

After Viglietti, the College of Cardinals decides on a moderate candidate. John Brannox is the ideal solution. Voiello flies to England to try to convince him, but Brannox is a difficult man, devoured by doubts and, perhaps, by secrets.

Voiello’s persuasiveness has worked. Sir John accepts the candidature and leaves for the Vatican. Everything seems to be going according to plan, but the Secretary of State couldn’t have predicted the moves undertaken by Cardinal Spalletta.

Nuns are on strike. John Paul III travels to Venice to pay a visit to Pius XIII, while the sect that idolizes Belardo grows in number. Meanwhile, tragic events in Lourdes require the presence of the new Pope.

Attracted by the star system, John Paul III meets actress Sharon Stone. An interview that gives the Pope new ideas. Meanwhile, the relationship between the Pontiff and Sofia is becoming deeper and deeper.

A radio is broadcasting the breathing of Pius XIII, now regular and only interrupted by strange sighs. Meanwhile, John Paul III is preparing for a “historic” interview…