While Lenny Belardo begins his pontificate as Pius XIII, he calls on Sister Mary, his childhood guardian for help, and begins to familiarize himself with the Vatican.
As Voiello continues his secret campaign against the Pope, he manipulates another into joining his plot, while the Pope himself reveals radical new plans for the Church.
The Pope takes an unscheduled trip away from the Vatican, Voiello has a crisis of conscience, and the Cardinals are finally given their audience with the pontiff.
Nine months after the Pope's ascension to power, the Church faces a financial crisis, there is joy for Esther, while Dussolier is put in a difficult position.
In the wake of a tragedy, Dussolier experiences doubt in his abilities, while the Pope begins to question his own decisions as a fresh plot against him emerges.