The New Pope

Following his sudden heart attack, Pope Pius XIII lies in a coma. As the threat of terrorism and the potential risks of Pius' idolatry loom, Secretary of State Cardinal Voiello makes a hasty move that throws the Church into even greater chaos.

Voiello, Gutierrez, Assente, Aguirre and Sofia travel to the UK estate of Sir John Brannox, hoping to convince him to return with them to the Vatican and accept the holiest of roles. Ester shares her son's story with the press to make ends meet.

After being elected pope and taking the name John Paul III, Brannox preaches the importance of family, truth and love in his first public homily and to the cardinals; Ester bonds with widower Fabiano, who offers an unusual solution to her money woes.

John Paul III travels to Venice to visit Pius XIII; a tragedy in Lourdes calls for the presence of the new pope.

A meeting with star Sharon Stone gives the Pope some new ideas; the Pontiff and Sofia's relationship deepens.

A radio broadcasts the breathing of Pius XIII, now regular and only interrupted by strange sighs; John Paul III prepares for a historic interview.

Voiello bows out and Cardinal Assente succeeds him, but his policy is not to the taste of all cardinals; the Vatican decides to put an end to radio broadcasts transmitting the breathing of Pius XIII, a decision that ignites the idolaters.

Having uncovered John Paul III's secrets, Voiello begins his plan to regain power; Lenny Belardo secretly returns to the Vatican and Voiello, thanks to the striking nuns, sets his plan in motion.

A group of terrorists hold a priest and six students hostage at Ventotene, and John Paul III and Pope Emeritus Pius XIII attempt to handle the perpetrators themselves.