Doubt as a Political Force

Conclave

Lomeli’s defense of doubt becomes a political intervention that divides the electors and later informs their judgment of leadership.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Sermon Without Certainty A Sermon Without Certainty from "Conclave". A Sermon Without Certainty The Church as a body Lomeli interprets Paul’s image of diverse members working together as a model for a Church that need not fear…

A Sermon Without Certainty from "Conclave". A Sermon Without Certainty The Church as a body Lomeli interprets Paul’s image of diverse members working together as a model for a Church that need not fear…

A Sermon Without Certainty The Church as a body Lomeli interprets Paul’s image of diverse members working together as a model for a Church that need not fear difference. He argues that unity does not require a single temperament. Faith beside doubt He asks for a Pope who can sin, seek forgiveness, and continue. His sermon presents uncertainty not as weakness but as a condition of living faith.

A Counter-Meditation A Counter-Meditation from "Conclave". A Counter-Meditation Scavizzi objects Vittorio Scavizzi rejects Lomeli’s use of doubt and warns that the Church is a vessel battered by modern ideologies.

A Counter-Meditation from "Conclave". A Counter-Meditation Scavizzi objects Vittorio Scavizzi rejects Lomeli’s use of doubt and warns that the Church is a vessel battered by modern ideologies.

A Counter-Meditation Scavizzi objects Vittorio Scavizzi rejects Lomeli’s use of doubt and warns that the Church is a vessel battered by modern ideologies. He calls for a captain who will hold the course. The sermon becomes a contest What Lomeli intended as pastoral reflection is recast as a doctrinal position. The first act of the election is therefore also an argument over whether doubt is faithful or dangerous.

A Political Reading A Political Reading from "Conclave". A Political Reading Reactions divide Liberals praise Lomeli’s homily, while Tedesco rebukes its portrayal of Paul.

A Political Reading from "Conclave". A Political Reading Reactions divide Liberals praise Lomeli’s homily, while Tedesco rebukes its portrayal of Paul.

A Political Reading Reactions divide Liberals praise Lomeli’s homily, while Tedesco rebukes its portrayal of Paul. Others suspect the dean is trying to shape the vote. Neutrality lost The sermon’s effect demonstrates that words spoken from office can become political even without a campaign intention. Lomeli’s preferred neutrality is no longer available to him.

Benítez Recognizes Himself Benítez Recognizes Himself from "Conclave". Benítez Recognizes Himself A listener’s response Benítez tells Lomeli that the sermon resonates with his own experience of suffering and doubt.

Benítez Recognizes Himself from "Conclave". Benítez Recognizes Himself A listener’s response Benítez tells Lomeli that the sermon resonates with his own experience of suffering and doubt.

Benítez Recognizes Himself A listener’s response Benítez tells Lomeli that the sermon resonates with his own experience of suffering and doubt. His vote for the dean is a response to the moral argument, not a tactical bargain. Doubt connects them Their conversation begins a relationship in which Benítez repeatedly asks Lomeli to distinguish faith in God from loyalty to institutional convenience.

Practice Over Principle Practice Over Principle from "Conclave". Practice Over Principle A self-vote Lomeli votes for himself because he believes he can prevent Tedesco from taking command.

Practice Over Principle from "Conclave". Practice Over Principle A self-vote Lomeli votes for himself because he believes he can prevent Tedesco from taking command.

Practice Over Principle A self-vote Lomeli votes for himself because he believes he can prevent Tedesco from taking command. He violates the spirit of his earlier insistence that each elector vote honestly before God. Doubt’s test The sermon’s defense of human fallibility now applies to Lomeli himself. Doubt does not make his choice harmless; it makes him responsible for testing his motives.

The morning before the first ballot

Immediately before the first ballot

After the first ballot

The evening after the first ballot

The seventh ballot