Rome, 1943. The city is occupied by the Nazis. The lives of thousands of Jews are in danger. In Vatican City, a neutral state within the borders of Rome, Pope Pius XII is struggling to save the city from hunger and destruction.

When the Nazis descend upon the Ghetto and arrest thousands of Jews, Pius XII forges an alliance with General Stahel, a staunch Catholic who often disagrees with the policies of the SS Generals. Stahel orders an end to the raids, but cannot prevent the deportation of over a thousand Jews, including Miriam's father, and is later sent to the Eastern front.