Bellini’s Fading Candidacy

Bellini’s reputation as the liberal favorite gives way to an increasingly painful recognition that his colleagues will not elect him.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Intellectual Favorite

The Intellectual Favorite A plausible successor A former rector and Archbishop of Milan, Aldo Bellini is widely regarded as a serious candidate. He has the intellect and stamina to govern, and Lomeli intends to vote for him. A reluctant ambition Bellini says he does not want the papacy, calling it a Calvary. Yet he fears that refusing to contest it would leave the Church to a candidate he considers destructive.

A Weak First Showing

A Weak First Showing Third place Bellini receives eighteen votes, fewer than Tedesco and Adeyemi. The result falls below his supporters’ expectations and denies him the initial momentum they hoped to build. A faction at work Sabbadin organizes Bellini’s allies to court undecided electors. Their effort reveals how much a papal vote depends on coalition-building as well as reputation.

A Candidacy Stalls

A Candidacy Stalls Support without growth Bellini’s count remains near its original base while other candidates rise and fall. His Italian supporters cannot readily turn admiration for his intellect into broad agreement. Private defeat He continues to vote and deliberate, but his declining prospects become difficult to deny. The slow loss of hope is more painful because he had spent years viewed as the likely successor.

The Vote for Lomeli

The Vote for Lomeli An unexpected transfer As Bellini’s prospects fade, he tells Lomeli that he has voted for him in recent ballots. The gesture turns private friendship into a possible political alternative. A difficult refusal Bellini believes Lomeli may attract Italians who oppose Tedesco. Lomeli rejects the prospect, insisting that becoming Pope would be a disaster for him.

The Final Endorsement

The Final Endorsement Choosing the viable candidate Bellini accepts that he cannot win and agrees to direct his supporters toward Tremblay rather than Tedesco. He reasons that preventing a destructive outcome may matter more than his own preferences. An incomplete resolution Lomeli later finds that Bellini lacks the courage he hoped for when the former favorite rejects disclosure of the hidden report. Their friendship endures, but Lomeli’s faith in Bellini’s leadership does not.

Before the Conclave begins

The first ballot, on the opening evening

The second through fifth ballots

During the fifth ballot

On the night before the eighth ballot