19 October, shortly before 2 a.m.
Lomeli Summoned
[Cardinal Lomeli](entity:character-recall-character-cardinal-lomeli-b70c7f34b1fb) hurried through the [Vatican](entity:location-recall-location-416dda4866db) toward the Pope’s quarters, praying that the dying man might be spared and that he himself could be taken in his place. Outside [Casa Santa Marta](entity:location-recall-location-casa-santa-marta-8b1a7df75488), an ambulance and its crew made him realize that the call was not to attend a sick Pope but to witness the removal of a body.
Inside, he found the senior churchmen gathered around the bed. The late Pope lay dead, and Lomeli joined the prayers for his soul, troubled by the memory of their strained final conversation and by his own failing ability to pray.
19 October, shortly after Lomeli arrives
The Fisherman’s Ring Broken
After the prayers, [Joseph Tremblay](entity:character-recall-character-joseph-tremblay-9651e4c0d1f5) directed [Janusz Woźniak](entity:character-recall-character-janusz-wo-niak-0f37e6e71693) to remove [the late Pope](entity:character-recall-character-b8d5d5e426ba)’s ring. Tremblay cut through its seal, formally ending the pontificate and declaring the [Holy See](entity:organization-recall-organization-holy-see-838d1c099f48) vacant.
The act also placed Tremblay, as Camerlengo, at the center of the transition. Lomeli saw how rapidly ceremony and administration were becoming matters of power among the men who would soon elect a successor.
19 October, in the early hours
A Managed Account of Death
Tremblay gave Lomeli a prepared timeline of the Pope’s final hours, including the discovery of the body and the medical efforts that followed. Lomeli learned that the Pope had been dead for hours before he was summoned, and that Woźniak had found him.
The cardinals debated what to reveal publicly, whether to disclose medical records, and how to avoid rumors. Their discussion exposed rival instincts: Tremblay prioritized speed and media control, while Lomeli and others weighed dignity, truth, and the Church’s reputation.
19 October, before dawn
The Pope’s Body Leaves
The cardinals agreed to move the body immediately in an ambulance, despite objections that a daylight procession and proper casket would better honor the office. The body was carried through the [Casa Santa Marta](entity:location-recall-location-casa-santa-marta-8b1a7df75488) as clergy watched, and phones clicked despite Lomeli’s wish that no photographs be taken.
The motorcade’s sirens and spectacle struck Lomeli as a contradiction of [the late Pope](entity:character-recall-character-b8d5d5e426ba)’s humility. In the aftermath, Bellini confided that the Pope had lost faith not in God but in the Church, a revelation that deepened Lomeli’s doubts about the institution he served.
19 October, after the funeral arrangements begin
The Succession Takes Shape
Lomeli recognized that the contest for the succession had begun among the three senior cardinals: Bellini, the liberal intellectual; Tremblay, with influence among developing-world churches; and Adeyemi, whose possible election as the first Black Pope fascinated the media. As Dean, Lomeli would have to oversee the election, though he had expected to retire and had tried to resign.
He resolved to remain impartial and made sure that Tedesco, a forceful traditionalist with a substantial following, was informed of the Pope’s death. Tedesco already knew, and the exchange made clear that information and influence were moving faster than formal announcements.
7 November, afternoon
Preparing the Chapel
Nearly three weeks later, Lomeli inspected the preparations in the [Sistine Chapel](entity:location-recall-location-sistine-chapel-cb7df68706e5). Workmen built the temporary floor and desks, while security systems were installed to prevent electronic surveillance. The scale and disorder of the work unsettled him as the election approached.
He also checked the [Room of Tears](entity:location-recall-location-room-of-tears-372c04792151), where the newly elected Pope would be robed, and examined the stoves that would burn ballots and send black or white smoke above the chapel. The archaic machinery embodied both the ritual weight and the practical fragility of the coming election.
7 November, afternoon
A Sealed Residence
Lomeli arrived at [Casa Santa Marta](entity:location-recall-location-casa-santa-marta-8b1a7df75488), where the electors would live under strict isolation. He passed the sealed apartment of [the late Pope](entity:character-recall-character-b8d5d5e426ba) and prayed outside it, unable to escape the hurt of having been called a manager rather than a shepherd.
His own assigned room was spare and airless, with the shutters sealed and the outside world removed. The setting intensified his fear that he lacked the pastoral experience and spiritual strength required to guide the election.
7 November, afternoon to early evening
Cardinals Gather
The electors arrived from around the world, their regional and ideological groupings already visible. Lomeli greeted them while noting the likely strength of the European bloc, the African support for Adeyemi, and the competing networks around Bellini, Tremblay, and Tedesco.
The arrival of the Curia’s senior officials felt different from the awe of those who had traveled from afar. Lomeli recognized in their familiarity and intrigue the very institutional habits [the late Pope](entity:character-recall-character-b8d5d5e426ba) had criticized, even though the Pope himself had appointed many of them.
7 November, just before 6 p.m.
Woźniak’s Confession
Before the residence was sealed, Woźniak came to Lomeli in distress and revealed that [the late Pope](entity:character-recall-character-b8d5d5e426ba) had told him that Tremblay was dismissed from all his offices during their final meeting, for gross misconduct. Woźniak had kept silent because Tremblay asked him to, and because the Pope’s private secretary disputed the account.
Lomeli judged that he had to take the allegation seriously, though he had no corroborating evidence. The revelation put the Dean in the middle of a dangerous question: whether a possible future Pope had concealed a serious rebuke from his predecessor.
7 November, just before 6 p.m.
The Hidden Cardinal Arrives
As the residence was about to close, a previously unlisted cleric appeared with documents identifying him as [Vincent Benítez](entity:character-recall-character-vincent-ben-tez-1073854e6980), Archbishop of [Baghdad](entity:location-recall-location-baghdad-aceafca6d718) and a cardinal created in secret. Bellini confirmed that [the late Pope](entity:character-recall-character-b8d5d5e426ba) had considered the appointment, though he had opposed it on security grounds.
Lomeli accepted that the appointment was legally valid and admitted Benítez to the conclave. The Filipino arrived without luggage after a dangerous journey, exhausted and unsure whether he should participate in an election whose candidates he did not know.
7 November, evening
Benítez Welcomed
Lomeli introduced Benítez to the gathered cardinals at dinner and explained that his creation in secret had been legitimate. The reception began awkwardly but grew warmer, and Benítez blessed the meal with a prayer remembering the hungry, sick, and lonely.
Cardinals from the Philippines and [Africa](entity:location-recall-location-africa-7f6149c69b08) recognized Benítez’s reputation as a missionary among poor communities, abused women, and children in danger, though few had met him. His service in [Manila](entity:location-recall-location-manila-9b855aa90249), the [Democratic Republic of the Congo](entity:location-recall-location-accd101481f3), and [Baghdad](entity:location-recall-location-baghdad-aceafca6d718) made him an unexpected figure whose moral authority might outstrip his political connections.
7 November, dinner
Tedesco’s Challenge
At dinner, Tedesco argued that the Church’s abandonment of Latin and the reforms following [Vatican](entity:location-recall-location-416dda4866db) II had weakened its unity. He called for an Italian Pope and presented the election as a last chance to preserve the Roman Church’s identity.
Across the room, Bellini’s allies organized a campaign for a more tolerant, reform-minded papacy. Bellini insisted he did not want the office, but his supporters worked to build his vote. Lomeli remained wary of being drawn into factional politics.
7 November, late evening
Tremblay Denies Dismissal
Lomeli confronted Tremblay about the claim that [the late Pope](entity:character-recall-character-b8d5d5e426ba) had demanded his resignation. Tremblay denied it, blamed Woźniak’s drinking, and refused to disclose the contents of his final private meeting with the Pope.
The denial did not settle Lomeli’s doubts. He believed Tremblay was lying, but could not verify the allegation while the electors were confined and the relevant witnesses remained outside.
Night of 7 November
Lomeli’s Sleepless Night
Lomeli lay awake, reflecting on celibacy, aging, and the spiritual desolation that had made prayer increasingly difficult. He felt regret for the life he had chosen and feared that the Conclave would expose his inadequacy rather than reveal God’s guidance.
The next morning he prepared for the televised Mass, still hearing [the late Pope](entity:character-recall-character-b8d5d5e426ba)’s judgment that he was a manager, not a shepherd. The burden of public ritual sharpened the divide between his formal authority and his private uncertainty.
8 November, morning
The Homily Begins
Lomeli celebrated the Mass for the election of a Roman pontiff in St Peter’s Basilica before a vast congregation and a global television audience. His prepared sermon seemed empty to him, so he set it aside and began speaking from the heart.
Drawing on Paul’s image of the Church as a diverse body, he argued that unity required tolerance and that certainty could become an enemy of faith. He asked for a Pope who could doubt, sin, seek forgiveness, and continue serving, a message that broke through his own spiritual numbness.
8 November, late morning
The Homily Provokes Resistance
The impromptu sermon delivered by Lomeli momentarily brought him close to God, but his call for doubt and tolerance was quickly interpreted as intervention in the election. Traditionalists opposed him, while liberals praised him, and rumors spread that he was trying to influence the choice of the next pope. Bene
8 November, afternoon
The Conclave Opens
The cardinals went to the [Pauline Chapel](entity:location-recall-location-pauline-chapel-bea0625554a4) where the secret meeting and instructions were held, then formed a line and entered the [Sistine Chapel](entity:location-recall-location-sistine-chapel-cb7df68706e5). Lomellini presided over the prescribed prayer and oath, while Mandoff, the archbishop, ordered all outsiders to leave. After the doors
8 November, before the first ballot
Scavizzi Rebukes Lomeli
Vittorio Scavino delivered the prescribed second meditation and publicly criticized Lomellini's sermon. He argued that Paul's call for unity is rejecting the competing ideologies of the modern world; he also urged the cardinals to select a strong captain to steer the ship of Saint Peter. This
8 November, early evening
The First Ballot
Lomeli explained the voting procedure, and after taking the oath, voted in favor of Bellini. During the counting, the ballots were distributed among thirty-four candidates, with Lomeli receiving five votes and Tedesco leading with twenty-two. Adeyemi received nineteen, Bellini eighteen
8 November, evening
The First Black Smoke
After the ballots and counting sheets were burned, black smoke rose from the [Sistine Chapel](entity:location-recall-location-sistine-chapel-cb7df68706e5). This signal told the waiting public that the Pope had not yet been elected; the cardinals returned to the Conclave residence, the House of Saint Martha, to begin discussing the voting results
8 November, dinner
Bellini’s Campaign Falters
Belini's supporters admitted his performance was below expectations, so they began to seek votes from those who had already withdrawn from the candidacy. Lomellini promised to persuade his supporters to switch their votes to Belini, while continuing to insist he does not want to become Pope. Tedesco still
Night of 8 November
A Nun Visits Adeyemi
Lomei woke up and heard a woman arguing with a man in the adjacent room. He recognized Adeyemi's voice and saw a nun leave, but he did not approach to question her. Instead, he went back to bed. He tried to explain this encounter as someone coming for spiritual guidance
9 November, morning
Adeyemi Surges Ahead
Second round voting showed that Adeyemi's votes increased significantly, receiving 35 votes and taking the lead. Tedesco followed with 29 votes, while Bellini and Trambly's votes remained stagnant; although Lomeli asked his supporters not to vote for him again, his
9 November, morning, on the walk to the Sistine Chapel
Adeyemi’s Offer
Adyeemi told Lomeli that he agreed with the sermon's emphasis on forgiveness and tolerance. He also implied that if he were elected pope, Lomeli might be able to serve again in the highest leadership of the church. Lomeli understood this as an indirect proposal: to exchange a
9 November, late morning
Adeyemi Wins the Third Ballot
In the third round of voting, Adeyemi received 57 votes, just one vote short of a simple majority and 21 votes short of being elected. Tedesco received 32 votes, Bellini dropped to 10 votes, and Lomele dropped to 5
9 November, lunchtime
Shanumi’s Public Breakdown
At lunch, a nun spilled the tray and shouted in Yoruba at Adeyemi. He left the room, and the African cardinals asked Lomeli to find out what happened before the vote was restored
9 November, early afternoon
Shanumi’s Confession
At confession, Sanumi told about her relationship with Adyeemi. This relationship began when she was still a young novice and he was already an adult priest. She became pregnant, and the church arranged for adoption; later, Adyeemi ignored her efforts to seek recognition. For decades, she carried
9 November, early afternoon
Adeyemi’s Collapse
Lomei told Adeyemi that the rumors would make it impossible for him to be elected, and that he would eventually have to resign. The cardinal collapsed, and then requested Lomei to pray with him, still desperately hoping that his candidacy would be preserved. Lomei observed the seal
9 November, afternoon
Tremblay Takes the Lead
Fourth round vote showed that Adeyemi's support dropped sharply from 57 votes to 25 votes. Trambly rose to 23 votes, Tedesco reached 36 votes, Bellini maintained 18 votes, and Lomeli obtained 11 votes
9 November, evening
Tremblay Leads the Fifth Ballot
In the fifth round of voting, Trumpel was first with forty votes, Tedesko received thirty-eight votes. Bellini dropped to fifteen votes, Lomelli rose to twelve votes, and Adedoye fell to nine votes
9 November, late evening
Lomeli Rejects a Coalition
Benedictini et eius amici consideraverunt quod Benedictus non poterat vincere, et consideraverunt transire suum supportum ad Tramblé, ut impedire electum Tedescom. Lomellus, inimicus, acceptus est Tr
9 November, evening
Benítez Refuses to Switch
Lomei visited Benitez, urging him to support Trambly, stating that if the secret meeting is delayed too long, it may harm the [Catholic Church](entity:organization-recall-organization-catholic-church-7dfe4f6d7f50) and exacerbate the threat of division. Benitez refused the request, insisting that he can only vote for the candidate he believes is most qualified
9 November, late evening
The Transfer of Shanumi
Lomeili learned from [Sister Agnes](entity:character-recall-character-sister-agnes-0dbf4754f17e) that Sister Sanduni was sent to [Rome](entity:location-recall-location-rome-3ec0a741c1f4) via the order's general superior at the request of Trambly. The date of the email was shortly before the death of [the late Pope](entity:character-recall-character-b8d5d5e426ba), indicating that Trambly had already arranged for Sister Sanduni to come to
9 November, near 11 p.m.
Lomeli Confronts Tremblay
Lomei brought Trambly to the small chapel, demanding he withdraw from the election. He accused Trambly of arranging the assignment of Sister Shannumi with the purpose of ruining Adedoye's chances of winning; he also threatened to tell the electors that [the late Pope](entity:character-recall-character-b8d5d5e426ba) had
Night of 9 November
The Hidden Files
Lomei could not sleep, so he used the common key to open the seal of the former pope's residence. He searched the room for evidence, but did not find the documents in the desk; later, he prayed by the bed of the pope, feeling as though the deceased had somehow guided
Night of 9 November
The Simony Report
In the confidential documents, Lomeli found a report accusing Tramblay of giving large sums of money to cardinals in [Africa](entity:location-recall-location-africa-7f6149c69b08) and South America, intending to boost his campaign. The report said this may constitute the sale of sacred offices, a crime that could lead to excommunication
Early 10 November
Bellini Rejects the Evidence
Lomeli handed the report to Bellini, urging him to continue running. Bellini refused to use evidence obtained from secret investigations and illegal intrusions, warning that publishing the report might taint the election, damage the [Catholic Church](entity:organization-recall-organization-catholic-church-7dfe4f6d7f50), and give Tedesco an advantage. Lomeli accused Bell
10 November, before breakfast
The Report Is Circulated
Lomei copied secret reports in the sister Agnes' office and covered the names of eight cardinals who are said to have received money. He ordered copies to be prepared for each electing cardinal and arranged to place the sealed documents on their seats before the next round of voting. He knew that
10 November, morning
Tremblay Denounced
After the cardinals read the report, they were shocked, angry, and full of doubts. Lomell still sat in his seat and, when asked by the crowd to explain, admitted that he had entered the Pope's residence and distributed the documents in order for the electing cardinals to decide
10 November, morning, during the confrontation
Agnes Confirms the Transfer
Mother Agnes entered the restaurant and confirmed that Trambly had requested that Mother Sannumi be transferred to [Rome](entity:location-recall-location-rome-3ec0a741c1f4). She said that Lomellini suspected someone intentionally embarrassed a cardinal, and this was correct, although Trambly insisted he was acting under the command of [the late Pope](entity:character-recall-character-b8d5d5e426ba). This
10 November, after the disclosure
Tremblay’s Support Crumbles
The cardinals are preparing to continue the election in the midst of uncertainty, with the main controversy being the allegations against Trambly regarding payments and the assignment of Sister Sanduni. Although Trambly denies the accusations, these revelations make his candidacy difficult to sustain. Lomellini proposed to resign
10 November, morning
The Sixth Ballot
Trumblay remains in the election, but the sixth round of voting revealed dramatic changes. Tedesco rose to 45 votes, Lomeli reached 40 votes, Benitez obtained 19 votes, while Trumblay fell to 3 votes, and Adedoy
10 November, late morning
The Seventh Ballot
during the seventh round of voting, lomeli believed that bellini and benitez could not prevent tedesco. he thought only himself could control this traditionalist leader, so he voted for himself, despite having earlier firmly stated he did not want to become pope
10 November, around noon
Terror Strikes Rome
The results of the seventh vote counting were: Lomeli with 52 votes, Tedesco with 42 votes, and Benitez with 24 votes. At this point, Lomeli has become the leading candidate, although he has not yet achieved a two-thirds majority
10 November, lunchtime
The Conclave Hears the News
After returning to the residence of the Holy Office of the [College of Cardinals](entity:organization-recall-organization-college-of-cardi-f73c81de3842), the house of Saint Martha, Lomellini asked the electors whether they would like to hear about events outside the [Vatican City](entity:location-recall-location-vatican-city-f9b020fd2159). Most voted in favor of listening to the news, and he announced the casualties and attacks in
10 November, lunchtime
Tedesco’s Hardline Appeal
Tedesco opposed holding elections hastily and used the attack incident to argue that the [Catholic Church](entity:organization-recall-organization-catholic-church-7dfe4f6d7f50) needs to take a firm stance against Islam and the failure of modern reforms. Benitez responded by combining his experiences in [Iraq](entity:location-recall-location-7cb5e3b1d5ce) and [Africa](entity:location-recall-location-africa-7f6149c69b08), insisting that Christians who have suffered violence would never want to retaliate with violence
10 November, early afternoon
A Procession of Resolve
The cardinals walked together from [Casa Santa Marta](entity:location-recall-location-casa-santa-marta-8b1a7df75488) to the [Sistine Chapel](entity:location-recall-location-sistine-chapel-cb7df68706e5), singing the [Veni Creator](entity:expression-recall-expression-veni-creator-9d3135bb8b0c). The procession was filmed from above and broadcast around the world, giving the public an image of unity and determination after the attacks.
Lomeli felt the Holy Spirit moving among the electors and accepted that, if the burden fell to him, he would not resist it. The shared walk transformed the conclave’s atmosphere from factional struggle into a collective response to crisis.
10 November, afternoon
The Eighth Ballot
In the eighth ballot, Lomeli voted for Benítez, believing the Filipino to be the only candidate who could unite the Church without reproducing Tedesco’s divisions. While the ballots were counted, Lomeli considered the formal requirements for accepting the papacy and privately acknowledged that he had long imagined taking the name John.
Benítez’s support surged past the necessary threshold. The final count was ninety-two votes for Benítez, twenty-one for Lomeli, and five for Tedesco, ending the election in a decisive victory.
10 November, late afternoon
Benítez Accepts the Papacy
Lomeli asked Benítez whether he accepted his canonical election. After a long silence, Benítez consented and chose the name Innocent. The electors applauded as the once-unknown Archbishop of [Baghdad](entity:location-recall-location-baghdad-aceafca6d718) became Pope Innocent XIV.
Benítez asked Lomeli to remain Dean and promised to rely on his counsel. Lomeli reminded the new Pope not to make premature promises of office, then turned to the formalities that would announce the election to the world.
10 November, immediately after the election
A Secret About the New Pope
Before the announcement, O’Malley told Lomeli that Benítez had once said he never shaved. The detail, combined with the canceled [Geneva](entity:location-recall-location-634fbb9f6bb2) appointment, led O’Malley to discover that the clinic specialized in gender reassignment.
Lomeli interrupted the preparations and questioned Benítez privately. Benítez explained that he had been born with an intersex condition, raised and ordained as a boy, and had only learned the medical facts after injuries in [Baghdad](entity:location-recall-location-baghdad-aceafca6d718). He had considered surgery but decided that altering his body would be a greater wrong than accepting what God had made.
10 November, before the public announcement
The Pope’s Hidden Truth
Benítez said that he had offered to resign after learning his condition, but [the late Pope](entity:character-recall-character-b8d5d5e426ba) counseled him and allowed him to decide. He had been created a cardinal in secret with the Pope fully aware of the truth.
Lomeli recognized the possibility that the secret would eventually emerge, but Benítez pointed out that God already knew. The exchange reframed the election’s choice of “Innocent” as an act of trust and acceptance rather than a claim to physical or moral perfection.
10 November, evening
The New Pope’s First Gesture
Pope Innocent XIV greeted the electors standing rather than receiving their homage from the papal throne. He embraced Bellini, Tedesco, Adeyemi, and Tremblay, offering each reassurance and respect.
His gesture signaled that he intended to govern without immediate retaliation or purges, and that the Church would face the dangers ahead in unity. In the [Sistine Chapel](entity:location-recall-location-sistine-chapel-cb7df68706e5), O’Malley burned the ballots and records, while white smoke and the roar of the crowd announced that the world had a new Pope.
