Lenny Belardo is the youngest Pope in history but also the first American pontiff. His radical ideas could change the Roman Catholic church, but underlying many of his choices is an ancient sorrow and a tormented relationship with his faith.

After his inaugural speech makes it clear that he will not be manipulated, Lenny makes enemies within the Vatican. However, he gains one ardent follower.

Believing that the only way to end Lenny's papacy is to involve him in a scandal, Cardinal Secretary of State Voiello blackmails Ester to seduce the pontiff.

Lenny enjoys a night away from the Vatican with a childhood friend, whilst Voiello has a crisis of conscience when an opportunity presents itself.

Nine months into Lenny's papacy, he gives his first audience to the Italian prime minister. Dussolier is put in charge of a controversial edict.

Dussollier blames himself after a tragedy and returns to Honduras. With Lenny's supporters dwindling, he questions whether his papacy is coming to an end.

Reeling from a personal loss, Pope Pius XIII makes an impulsive decision to visit Africa, meeting a revered missionary who stirs mixed feelings inside him.

Gutierrez is dejected by his failure to find evidence against Cardinal Kurtwell, but a new witness may be able to give him what he is looking for.

Pope Pius XIII prepares to reveal himself publicly for the first time in a pastoral visit to Venice, but not before settling some scores.

For Lenny, the time has come to settle scores with his past by taking a pastoral trip to Venice, the city where he has always suspected his parents might be. Here, for the first time, he makes a public appearance. It's clear that his state of health is precarious.