Lomeli and Bellini’s Friendship

Conclave

Bellini and Lomeli’s long friendship is tested by political disappointment, candid advice, and a final disagreement over disclosure.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Shared Grief Shared Grief from "Conclave". Shared Grief A keepsake at the bedside Bellini asks to keep the late Pope’s traveling chess set, recalling their evening games.

Shared Grief from "Conclave". Shared Grief A keepsake at the bedside Bellini asks to keep the late Pope’s traveling chess set, recalling their evening games.

Shared Grief A keepsake at the bedside Bellini asks to keep the late Pope’s traveling chess set, recalling their evening games. Lomeli tells him the Pope would have wanted him to have it. A private vulnerability The normally reserved Bellini is overcome by tears. The exchange reveals a closeness that survives their different political roles.

Concern About Doubt Concern About Doubt from "Conclave". Concern About Doubt A spiritual disclosure Bellini tells Lomeli that the late Pope had lost faith in the Church, not in God.

Concern About Doubt from "Conclave". Concern About Doubt A spiritual disclosure Bellini tells Lomeli that the late Pope had lost faith in the Church, not in God.

Concern About Doubt A spiritual disclosure Bellini tells Lomeli that the late Pope had lost faith in the Church, not in God. He also remembers the Pope’s concern about Lomeli’s difficulties with prayer. A trust offered Bellini offers to help Lomeli pray. His confidence turns political colleagues into companions sharing doubts they cannot discuss openly with the whole College.

The Charge of Ambition The Charge of Ambition from "Conclave". The Charge of Ambition A painful interpretation Bellini tells Lomeli that the homily made him appear ambitious and that every cardinal has imagined a papal…

The Charge of Ambition from "Conclave". The Charge of Ambition A painful interpretation Bellini tells Lomeli that the homily made him appear ambitious and that every cardinal has imagined a papal…

The Charge of Ambition A painful interpretation Bellini tells Lomeli that the homily made him appear ambitious and that every cardinal has imagined a papal name. Lomeli denies having such a desire. Doubt turns inward The accusation lingers even after Bellini leaves. Lomeli begins asking whether his own actions have revealed an ambition he refuses to acknowledge.

A Last Strategic Alliance A Last Strategic Alliance from "Conclave". A Last Strategic Alliance Accepting the arithmetic Bellini concedes that he cannot win and agrees that his supporters should back Tremblay rather than Tedesco.

A Last Strategic Alliance from "Conclave". A Last Strategic Alliance Accepting the arithmetic Bellini concedes that he cannot win and agrees that his supporters should back Tremblay rather than Tedesco.

A Last Strategic Alliance Accepting the arithmetic Bellini concedes that he cannot win and agrees that his supporters should back Tremblay rather than Tedesco. Lomeli warns that the decision should not reduce the vote to a choice of the least-worst candidate. Friends in disagreement Their alliance remains affectionate, but their differing judgments about institutional risk become impossible to conceal.

A Final Exchange A Final Exchange from "Conclave". A Final Exchange The kneeling dean Lomeli kneels to the newly elected Pope while Bellini watches the College’s unexpected resolution.

A Final Exchange from "Conclave". A Final Exchange The kneeling dean Lomeli kneels to the newly elected Pope while Bellini watches the College’s unexpected resolution.

A Final Exchange The kneeling dean Lomeli kneels to the newly elected Pope while Bellini watches the College’s unexpected resolution. Benítez asks Lomeli to remain close and advise him. A friendship survives Bellini’s candidacy has ended, but his earlier support for Lomeli and his presence through the crisis remain part of the dean’s emotional history.

The night the late Pope dies

After the late Pope’s body is taken away

After the election Mass

The night after the fifth ballot

After Benítez’s election