Lomeli’s Reluctant Stewardship

Lomeli’s effort to remain an impartial administrator becomes a moral struggle over when stewardship requires him to intervene.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Manager’s Burden

The Manager’s Burden An unwanted office The late Pope once called Lomeli a manager rather than a shepherd, a remark that hurt because Lomeli already doubts his spiritual vocation. Now the dean must oversee the election. Responsibility without certainty He prays for wisdom but cannot recover the ease of prayer he once knew. His first instinct is to treat neutrality as a duty in itself.

A Neutral Homily

A Neutral Homily A prepared text Lomeli plans a restrained sermon designed not to influence the College. At the altar in St Peter’s Basilica, the prepared words feel lifeless and remote. An unexpected voice He sets the script aside and speaks about diversity, humility, and doubt. The unscripted homily restores his spiritual confidence but makes his impartiality suspect.

A Vote Against Himself

A Vote Against Himself The first tally Lomeli votes for Aldo Bellini, yet receives five votes himself. The result unsettles him: even a small personal tally can distort the contest between the leading candidates. A public danger He resolves to ask his supporters to stop voting for him. Others may read that apparent modesty as strategy, deepening his anxiety about how his actions look.

Forty Votes

Forty Votes The field narrows As the contest polarizes between Goffredo Tedesco and the remaining alternatives, Lomeli’s tally rises to forty. He sees himself becoming a barrier to a candidate he considers dangerous. A compromised choice On the seventh ballot, he votes for himself to preserve that barrier. The oath he has repeatedly sworn now collides with his stated belief that he does not want the papacy.

Relief at the Result

Relief at the Result The cup passes elsewhere Benítez wins, and Lomeli tears up the notes he had drafted for a possible papal address. His response is relief rather than disappointment. Service continues He kneels to the new Pope and is asked to remain dean. The conclusion preserves his role as servant while forcing him to confront the truth he had concealed from himself.

The night the late Pope dies

The morning before the first ballot

The first ballot, that evening

The sixth ballot, on the third day

After Vincent Benítez reaches the required majority