The New Pope : Season 1 Episode — 1

The episode ends with Francis II’s sudden death—implied to be an assassination—and a comatose Lenny Belardo moving his finger for the first time.

In the series premiere of The New Pope (the follow-up to The Young Pope ), the Vatican is thrown into chaos as Pope Pius XIII remains in a coma. This guide covers the key events, characters, and stylistic choices from Season 1, Episode 1. The New Pope : Season 1 Episode 1

After a deadlocked conclave between Voiello and his doppelganger, , Voiello engineers a tactical vote for a supposedly malleable candidate: Cardinal Viglietti . Taking the name Pope Francis II , Viglietti unexpectedly becomes a radical reformer, opening the Vatican to refugees and demanding the Cardinals surrender their personal wealth. The episode ends with Francis II’s sudden death—implied

The shadowy Ambassador of the Holy See who provides "expository clarity" and is linked to Francis II’s sudden demise. After a deadlocked conclave between Voiello and his

Voiello's bitter rival, also played by Orlando.

Introduced briefly as the potential moderate replacement for the next conclave. Viewing Guide & Highlights The New Pope Review: Season 1 Episode 1 - Tell-Tale TV

Mostly seen comatose, though he remains the central figure of the show's cult-like devotion.