Borgia

After a heated argument with della Rovere, Rodrigo convinces Pope Innocent to name King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, “Most Catholic Majesty”. The Medici give a bankrupted Pope Innocent a loan to pay off his son’s gambling debts, in return for Giovanni de Medici’s seat as a Cardinal. Rodrigo reveals his intention to restore the Saint Peter’s Basilica, if he becomes Pope. On his way to Rome for negotiations in the ever-increasing conflict between Naples and Milan, the Neapolitan Cardinal Carafa is robbed, blaming Milan for the transgression.

Alessandro and Cesare visit a Striga to predict Cesare’s future. She foresees five deaths over the course of the summer that will change Cesare’s life. The Borgia, Orsini, Medici and Cibo dine together to celebrate their new alliance: Giovanni de Medici is now a Cardinal, Juan is Duke of Gandia and Maddalena de Medici is married to the Pope’s son, Franceschetto Cibo. Giovanni de Medici is saddened by the illness of his father, Lorenzo the Magnificent, who has maintained peace between Naples and Milan.

Bells toll as the rioting has ended temporarily. Cesare returns to Pisa, where he meets in secret with a pregnant Fiametta, fearful of Rodrigo discovering his unborn son.

The Conclave continues, as no single Cardinal has received enough votes to be elected Pope. Rodrigo visits della Porta, hoping to gain his votes, and outlines the consequences of what will happen depending on who is elected Pope -- war with Naples or Milan, Rome slaughtered. Rodrigo emphasizes his neutrality on these issues, making him best suited to be elected. But Porta won’t support Rodrigo. He has no desire to be pope, but will if the Holy Spirit deems it so.

Cesare and Alessandro arrive in Spoleto, where Rodrigo has told them to remain, indefinitely. They meet Cesare’s new secretary, Agapito Geraldini. Rodrigo is crowned Pope, announcing plans to rebuild St. Peter’s, funded by an annual tithe from each Cardinal. At a celebration at the Apostolic Palace, reserved for men, Giulia enters, much to Burchard’s dismay. Rodrigo claims a new era for all the women and allows them to join the festivities.