The First Vote

The cardinals write their votes with trembling hands. One by one, they approach the altar and swear:

—I place my vote on this paper for the one whom, according to God, should be chosen.

The ballots fall into the urn. Once the last cardinal votes, Lomeli mixes them and begins the count.

Each name spoken reveals hidden alliances.

—Bellini… —Tremblay… —Adeyemi… —Tedesco…

The count continues. No candidate nears the required threshold. The vote is fractured.

Lomeli tosses the ballots into the stove. Seconds later, black smoke rises above the Sistine Chapel.

From the square, the world sees the signal: There is no Pope yet.

The Factions Emerge

Back at Casa Santa Marta, the true conclave begins in the corridors.

The sides are drawn: 🔴 The Progressives , led by Bellini, push for a more open Church. ⚫ The Traditionalists , headed by Tedesco, aim to restore absolute papal authority. 🟡 The Neutrals , like Adeyemi, play both sides, waiting for the right moment to tip the scale.

But Lomeli notices something unsettling. An unexpected name appears on the ballots.