The Young Pope: Episode X
INT. VATICAN CITY – POPE PIUS XIII’S PRIVATE CHAMBERS – NIGHT
Pope Pius XIII, aka LENNY, is sitting in a dimly lit room, deep in thought. He is reading a letter:
POPE PIUS XIII (V.O.): My dearest Lenny, I pray that my words will find you in good time. The world is changing, and it appears that the Church's role in it is changing too... I fear for the worst, yet believe in your wisdom.
Pope Pius XIII looks up and considers the weight of the words, burdened with the responsibility of leading the Church.
INT. VATICAN CITY – DINING ROOM – DAY
Cardinal Voiello, the Vatican Secretary of State, Sister Mary, and Monsignor Gutierrez sit at a table engaging in a serious conversation.
CARDINAL VOIELLO: Sister Mary, I implore you to reason with him! The Church is under attack from all sides - scandals, media, and now even our own followers are divided.
SISTER MARY: You know as well as I do, Lenny will do what Lenny believes is best for the Church. What exactly are you asking me to do?
CARDINAL VOIELLO (wringing his hands): Convince him to meet with the special envoy from the United Nations! We cannot afford to further anger the international community.
INT. VATICAN CITY – SECRET ARCHIVES – DAY
Esther, now an employee in the Secret Archives, uncovers a hidden letter revealing a secret that would potentially disrupt the Church's position on faith and science.
ESTHER (to herself): This can't be...
Esther quickly hides the letter and exits the room.
EXT. VATICAN CITY – POPE PIUS XIII’S GARDENS – DAY
Sister Mary finds Lenny praying silently in the gardens.
SISTER MARY: Lenny, you must listen!
POPE PIUS XIII (calmly): Speak, Sister.
SISTER MARY: Cardinal Voiello asks that you meet with the special envoy from the United Nations. He fears for the Church's standing in the world.
POPE PIUS XIII (raising his eyebrows): I am leading, Sister, and I follow where I feel I am being guided. But I shall consider it.
INT. VATICAN CITY – POPE PIUS XIII’S PRIVATE CHAMBERS – NIGHT
Esther approaches the Young Pope, holding the hidden letter.
ESTHER: Your Holiness, I've found something that I feel I must share with you.
POPE PIUS XIII (curiously): Please, proceed.
Esther hands him the letter hesitantly.
POPE PIUS XIII (reading aloud): The truth is that the existence of God was confirmed in the year 1976 by a group of Catholic scientists, yet we have chosen to keep this a secret, because...
Esther and Pope Pius XIII exchange a look of disbelief.
INT. VATICAN CITY – SECRET MEETING ROOM – DAY
Pope Pius XIII, Cardinal Voiello and Sister Mary are seated in the dark room, their faces tense.
POPE PIUS XIII (furrowed brow): Why would this have been kept from me?
CARDINAL VOIELLO: I... I did not know, Your Holiness.
POPE PIUS XIII (leaning back in his chair): This changes everything. We must deliberate on how to handle this carefully. We shall meet again tomorrow.
The room is left with a thick tension as Pope Pius XIII and the others depart.
TO BE CONTINUED.
The Young Pope: A Cardinal's Secret
INT. VATICAN CITY – DAY
We open on a beautiful morning in Vatican City. The sun is shining and the camera pans through St. Peter's Square, eventually settling on the balcony where POPE PIUS XIII (Jude Law) is enjoying a cup of coffee.
POPE PIUS XIII: (smirking) Another beautiful day in paradise.
CARDINAL SPENCER (James Cromwell) enters the balcony.
CARDINAL SPENCER: Lenny, there’s an urgent matter we need to discuss.
POPE PIUS XIII: (sighs) Always so serious, Cardinal. Alright, then. Let’s talk.
INT. POPE’S STUDY – DAY
Seated inside the Pope’s study, CARDINAL SPENCER hesitates before revealing his secret.
CARDINAL SPENCER: Lenny, I have kept this secret hidden for years, and I can no longer bear this burden. It’s a secret that could endanger the Vatican and the entire Catholic Church.
POPE PIUS XIII: (eyes widening) What is it? Let me share your burden.
CARDINAL SPENCER: A cache of hidden documents has been found beneath the Vatican, and the contents could threaten our very foundation. It’s said to reveal a prophecy about a dangerous and powerful force that could topple the Church from within.
POPE PIUS XIII: (leaning forward) How can we ensure this doesn’t happen? We must protect the Church.
EXT. VATICAN GARDENS – DAY
Walking through the gardens, POPE PIUS XIII contemplates the matter further.
POPE PIUS XIII: (softly) A powerful force from within... But who, or what, could it be?
VOICE: (offscreen whisper) It’s within you...
POPE PIUS XIII: (spinning around) Who’s there?!
He scans the garden but finds no one.
INT. VATICAN LIBRARY – DAY
POPE PIUS XIII and CARDINAL SPENCER search amongst stacks of ancient texts.
POPE PIUS XIII: We need to uncover the exact nature of this prophecy. There must be a clue in these archives.
CARDINAL SPENCER: I’ve enlisted the help of our historians, but we must keep this secret from the other cardinals for now.
POPE PIUS XIII: Agreed. The fewer who know, the better.
They continue to search through the documents, determined to unravel the potentially devastating prophecy.
TO BE CONTINUED.
The Young Pope: Secret Storm
INT. VATICAN - POPE PIUS XIII'S PRIVATE QUARTERS - NIGHT
The room is dimly lit. Pope Pius XIII (Lenny) is pacing back and forth, deep in thought.
LENNY
(Voiceover)
As the storm rages outside, another storm brews within these sacred walls.
INT. VATICAN - SOFIA'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Sofia is working late. The wind howls, rain lashes against the window, and lightning illuminates her face.
SOFIA
(whispers to herself)
Little did they know the secrets the storm would uncover.
INT. VATICAN - SECRET PASSAGEWAY - NIGHT
An attendant nervously carries a box through the dark and narrow passage. He stops, glancing around before retrieving a key from his pocket, unlocking a door, and disappearing inside.
INT. VATICAN - CARDINAL VOIELLO'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT
Cardinal Voiello is engaged in a tense conversation with Archbishop Gutierrez.
VOIELLO
Did you inform the Holy Father of our suspicions?
GUTIERREZ
I did, but he remains unconvinced. He requires proof, Cardinal.
VOIELLO
(sighs)
As the storm outside drowns our beloved city, so too will it drown our conscience if we fail to unmask this deceit.
INT. VATICAN - POPE PIUS XIII'S PRIVATE QUARTERS - NIGHT
A knock on the door startles Lenny from his thoughts. Sister Mary stands in the doorway.
SISTER MARY
Your Holiness, Cardinal Voiello and Archbishop Gutierrez request your presence.
Lenny nods, and follows Sister Mary through the dark and imposing halls of the Vatican.
INT. VATICAN - MEETING ROOM - NIGHT
The three clergymen sit around a table as the attendant reveals the contents of the box: documents riddled with evidence of corruption within the Church.
LENNY
(angry)
How did this happen under our watchful eyes?
VOIELLO
It's unclear who is responsible, Your Holiness, but we must act immediately to save the Church's reputation.
GUTIERREZ
Casting light on these dark secrets, however, may damage our very foundation.
The camera pulls back as the trio continue to debate their course of action, the storm outside intensifying, thunder echoing off the walls.
LENNY
(Voiceover)
And so, with darkness and lightning at our backs, we take the first steps to confront the secret storm ripping through our beloved Church.
TO BE CONTINUED.
The Young Pope: The Unseen Vision
INT. VATICAN CITY - POPE PIUS XIII'S PRIVATE CHAMBERS - NIGHT
Pope Pius XIII (Lenny Belardo) paces back and forth in his dimly lit room, deep in thought. Cardinal Voiello enters the room hesitantly.
CARDINAL VOIELLO
(with a slight tremble in his voice)
Your Holiness, may I have a moment of your time?
POPE PIUS XIII
Yes, Voiello. Speak.
CARDINAL VOIELLO
Sir, there's an urgent matter concerning the College of Cardinals.
Pius stops pacing, feeling a sense of urgency from Voiello's words. He raises an eyebrow and folds his arms across his chest.
POPE PIUS XIII
What is it?
CARDINAL VOIELLO
One of the cardinals has claimed to have a vision from God regarding the future of the Church. The College of Cardinals is concerned and wishes for your guidance.
Pius rubs his chin, pondering. The thought of a divine vision intrigues him.
POPE PIUS XIII
(whispers)
A vision... from God?
CARDINAL VOIELLO
Yes, Your Holiness. The cardinal believes this vision could change the course of the Church.
Pius eyes Voiello forcefully, as if searching for any hint of deceit. He finds none.
POPE PIUS XIII
(serious)
Very well. Arrange a private meeting with me and this cardinal.
EXT. VATICAN GARDENS - DAY
Pius walks through the lush gardens with Sister Mary, discussing the alleged divine vision.
SISTER MARY
(while admiring the flowers)
Do you believe someone can truly receive a message from God, Your Holiness?
POPE PIUS XIII
(smirks)
God works in mysterious ways, Sister Mary. Even I, the Pope, cannot fathom His intentions.
SISTER MARY
And how will you determine if this vision is indeed from Him?
POPE PIUS XIII
By testing the cardinal himself. I need to ensure his intentions are pure.
INT. POPE PIUS XIII'S PRIVATE CHAMBERS - DAY
Cardinal Aguirre, a man in his late 60s, nervously sits across from Pius. The Pope stares him down, causing Aguirre to fidget with his rosary beads.
POPE PIUS XIII
(cold)
Cardinal Aguirre, tell me about your vision.
CARDINAL AGUIRRE
(voice shaking)
Y-Your Holiness, I... I saw a light, brighter than anything I'd ever seen before. It was beautiful, yet terrifying. A voice, clear as day, told me that we must change our ways, or the Church would fall into darkness.
Pius leans back in his chair, contemplating Aguirre's words. Aguirre bows his head, sweat forming on his brow.
TO BE CONTINUED
The Young Pope: The Cardinal's Secret
INT. VATICAN - POPE PIUS XIII'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Darkness pervades the room, leaving just a dim light that emanates from a single high-backed chair. POPE PIUS XIII, also known as LENNY BELARDO, sits on the chair. His eyes are closed, and he appears to be deep in prayer.
The door opens, and the light from the hallway floods the room. CARDINAL VOIELLO enters, noticeably disturbed.
CARDINAL VOIELLO
(whispering)
Your Holiness, I'm sorry to disturb you, but there's something I need to speak to you about. Immediately.
Pope Pius XIII opens his eyes and gazes at Cardinal Voiello.
POPE PIUS XIII
(sighing)
What is it, Voiello? Can't you see I'm in the middle of prayer?
CARDINAL VOIELLO
(stammering)
Y-yes, Your Holiness, but it's a matter of utmost urgency. We have reason to believe that there's a high-ranking traitor within the Vatican.
Pope Pius XIII's eyes narrow.
POPE PIUS XIII
A traitor? In my Vatican? Unlikely. But go on, tell me what you've discovered.
CARDINAL VOIELLO
Our sources say this traitor has been undermining your authority and secretly providing information to various media outlets, in order to discredit your papacy.
A tense silence fills the room before Pope Pius XIII speaks.
POPE PIUS XIII
(angrily)
Find them, Voiello. Whoever this traitor is, I want them brought to me. Alive.
Cardinal Voiello bows and leaves the room, closing the door behind him. Pope Pius XIII's eyes reveal a hint of concern beneath his usual stoic expression.
INT. VATICAN - HALLWAY - NIGHT
Cardinal Voiello paces through the hallway, his face etched with worry. He clutches a secret folder containing the traitor's information, careful not to reveal its contents to anyone.
As he walks, he encounters CARDINAL DUSSEAULT, the Vatican's Canadian representative.
CARDINAL DUSSEAULT
(concerned)
Voiello, what's troubling you? Are there more conflicts brewing within our beloved Church?
CARDINAL VOIELLO
Whatever I shared with you before - keep it to yourself, Dusseault. Trust no one, not even those you consider friends among us.
CARDINAL DUSSEAULT
I understand. I will keep this between the two of us. God be with you.
Cardinal Voiello nods and continues his hurried pace, disappearing down a long and dimly-lit corridor.
INT. VATICAN - POPE PIUS XIII'S PRIVATE QUARTERS - NIGHT
Pope Pius XIII kneels in front of a statue of the Virgin Mary, praying fervently.
POPE PIUS XIII
(whispering)
Holy Mother, guide me in these times of turmoil. Grant me the wisdom to lead Your Church with strength and grace, and to weather the storms that lie ahead.
The sound of footsteps growing louder interrupts his prayer. Pope Pius XIII looks up to see Ester, his confidante, standing in the doorway.
ESTER
(tearful)
Lenny, you need to know the truth before it's too late. I have a secret, a secret that will change everything...
TO BE CONTINUED
The Young Pope: The Unseen Miracle
EXT. VATICAN GARDENS - DAY
Young Pope PIUS XIII (Lenny Belardo) strolls through the garden, deep in thought. Cardinal VOIELLO approaches hesitantly.
VOIELLO
Your Holiness, we've received news regarding the missing relics.
PIUS XIII
Which ones?
VOIELLO
Saint Valentino’s finger and Saint Ignatius' crucifix.
PIUS XIII
Where were they found?
VOIELLO
In a small parish church in Ukraine. Apparently, they were misplaced during restorations.
PIUS XIII
(smirking)
God works in mysterious ways.
INT. VATICAN - CONFESSIONAL - DAY
ESTHER, a young and devoted woman, enters the confessional, her face weary with guilt. PIUS XIII sits behind the partition.
ESTHER
Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.
PIUS XIII
And what have you done, my child?
ESTHER
I've been questioning the Church's teachings on contraception.
PIUS XIII
Have you spoken to your priest about your concerns?
ESTHER
Yes, but I still feel conflicted, Your Holiness.
PIUS XIII
Esther, faith requires trust. You must trust that the Church sets these doctrines for a reason. We can pray for clarity and guidance, but ultimately we must believe in His wisdom.
EXT. VATICAN - BALCONY - DAY
Cardinal GUTIERREZ stands alongside PIUS XIII, both looking out across the city.
GUTIERREZ
Your Holiness, you've been quiet lately. What troubles you?
PIUS XIII
I feel restless, Gutierrez. I walk this earth as the leader of the faithful, and yet, at times, I feel like an imposter.
GUTIERREZ
Your Holiness, many of our predecessors have felt the same. Doubt does not diminish your abilities; it shows your humanity.
PIUS XIII
(smiling)
I sometimes forget that you're my anchor in these turbulent waters, Gutierrez.
INT. VATICAN - SISTINE CHAPEL - DAY
A small group of influential CARDINALS are gathered, whispering in hushed tones. VOIELLO enters and clears his throat.
VOIELLO
Gentlemen, we must discuss a troubling matter.
CARDINAL 1
What is it this time, Voiello?
VOIELLO
The Pope plans to visit the parish where the missing relics were found.
CARDINAL 2
Why?
VOIELLO
He suspects a miracle took place there.
CARDINAL 1
Has he shared this revelation with the congregation?
VOIELLO
Not yet.
CARDINAL 2
We must act quickly. The faithful might interpret this as a sign of divine intervention, fueling his already immense power.
TO BE CONTINUED
The Young Pope: Season 3, Episode 1
EXT. VATICAN CITY - DAY
A flock of birds take flight as the camera pans down to reveal Vatican City. The grand architecture offers a breathtaking view against the morning sky.
INT. POPE'S RESIDENCE - DAY
Lenny Belardo, Pope Pius XIII, gets dressed for the day - a white soutane, a white zucchetto and an iron pectoral cross.
INT. VATICAN CORRIDOR - DAY
Lenny walks alongside his confidant, Cardinal VOIELLO, discussing the latest issues within the church.
LENNY: After all that's happened, you'd think the church would embrace a more...enlightened view.
VOIELLO: Change isn't easy, Your Holiness.
LENNY: It's not optional, either.
They walk in silence for a beat before resuming their conversation.
LENNY (CONT’D): Tell me about the new Cardinals.
VOIELLO: Four men, Your Holiness. All experienced, varied in age, and from diverse backgrounds.
INT. VATICAN MEETING ROOM - DAY
Lenny leads a meeting with the new Cardinals, a diverse group representing different corners of the world.
CARDINAL RAMOS: Your Holiness, I must object to this proposal. It's too progressive and goes against some of our most long-held beliefs.
LENNY: Cardinal Ramos, God's love is boundless. We must ensure the church reflects that. Higher the walls between people, lesser the love.
INT. VATICAN ARCHIVES - DAY
Sister MARY and Sister ANTONIA search through ancient texts and tomes.
SISTER MARY: The knowledge hidden here... it's astonishing. Think of what would happen if it were shared with the world.
SISTER ANTONIA: The Vatican has its reasons for keeping secrets, Sister Mary. Not all truths are meant to be revealed.
Sister Mary looks doubtful as she catches sight of a hidden chamber, accessible only by a narrow passage.
INT. POPE'S RESIDENCE - NIGHT
Lenny pours himself a drink while gazing out of the window. A knock on the door interrupts his reverie.
LENNY: Enter!
It's Sister Mary. She is visibly troubled, clutching a dusty parchment in her hand.
SISTER MARY: Your Holiness, I found something...disturbing. It's about your predecessor.
Lenny takes the parchment from Sister Mary as he examines it closely.
LENNY: This... cannot be. I must know more. Let no soul know of this.
Sister Mary nods, solemn.
TO BE CONTINUED
The Young Pope: The Redeemer
INT. VATICAN - POPE PIUS XIII'S OFFICE - DAY
Cardinal Voiello enters the room cautiously, aware of Pope Pius XIII's impetuous nature.
CARDINAL VOIELLO
Your Holiness, I come bearing urgent news.
POPE PIUS XIII (calmly)
Speak, Cardinal Voiello, for we have little time to spare.
CARDINAL VOIELLO
There is a brewing scandal in one of our Polish parishes. They're claiming a priest has been taking liberties with church funds. We must act quickly, or our credibility may be tarnished.
POPE PIUS XIII (raising an eyebrow)
Very well. Summon Cardinal Gutierrez to my quarters. Immediately.
INT. VATICAN - POPE PIUS XIII'S QUARTERS - DAY
Cardinal Gutierrez enters and bows before the Pope, offering a sign of reverence.
CARDINAL GUTIERREZ
Your Holiness, I've been informed of the scandal in Poland. I am prepared to leave and investigate this matter personally.
POPE PIUS XIII (smirking)
No, no, my dear Gutierrez. I have a different assignment for you. Task Sister Mary with the Polish case. I need you to accompany me on a journey.
CARDINAL GUTIERREZ (surprised)
Of course, Your Holiness, where are we going?
POPE PIUS XIII
We are going to pay a visit to an old friend of mine… Cardinal Giovanni.
EXT. GARDEN IN ROME - EVENING
Pope Pius XIII and Cardinal Gutierrez arrive at the home of the now-retired CARDINAL GIOVANNI. They are greeted at the door.
CARDINAL GIOVANNI
Your Holiness, welcome to my humble abode. What brings you here?
POPE PIUS XIII (smiling)
Old friend, you know why.
CARDINAL GIOVANNI (pauses and nods)
Ah, yes. Let us discuss inside.
INT. CARDINAL GIOVANNI'S HOME - SITTING ROOM - NIGHT
The three men sit, each pouring themselves a glass of wine.
POPE PIUS XIII
Giovanni, we need your wisdom on this new scandal. Your experience with crisis management has not been forgotten.
CARDINAL GIOVANNI
Your Holiness, I fear my past transgressions may overshadow any good I may do.
POPE PIUS XIII
Redemption, my dear Cardinal, is what I preach above all else. Your past is but a shadow that has led you here, to this moment of grace. We need your assistance for the sake of the Church.
CARDINAL GIOVANNI (reluctantly)
I shall do what I can, for if it is your wish, it must be the will of God.
Pope Pius XIII and Cardinal Gutierrez exchange knowing glances.
TO BE CONTINUED.
The Young Pope: The Trial of Cardinals
INT. VATICAN CITY - ST. PETER'S SQUARE - DAY
The sun is shining bright, as a soft breeze dances around the square. Swarms of TOURISTS take pictures, thrilled to be in the heart of the city.
INT. VATICAN - APOLLO'S ROOM - DAY
CARDINAL VROLLO, a strict and conservative man in his 60s, and CARDINAL BERNALDO, a more progressive and compassionate man in his 50s, are in a heated debate.
CARDINAL VROLLO
Your Holiness must reconsider bringing the trial within the walls of Vatican City.
CARDINAL BERNALDO
The Pope's decision is final, Vrollo. You must learn to accept it.
A knock on the door precedes the entrance of POPE PIUS XIII (Lenny Belardo), the Young Pope, with SOFIA DUBOIS, a beautiful woman in her 40s, at his side.
POPE PIUS XIII
Gentlemen, please. Our decision is for the greater good. Proceed with the preparations.
Both cardinals bow and exit the room.
SOFIA DUBOIS
You must be aware, Lenny, that your decision will lead to discomfort among the clergy.
POPE PIUS XIII
(Grinning)
As much as I enjoy a good controversy, Sofia, I live to fulfill the Lord's will.
EXT. VATICAN CITY - ST. PETER'S BASILICA - DAY
Preparations are underway for the trial of three disgraced cardinals from around the world, whose immoral acts have stained the Holy See.
INT. VATICAN - SISTINE CHAPEL - DAY
A TENSE ATMOSPHERE, as Pope Pius XIII addresses the gathered CARDINALS, who are both excited and fearful about the pending trial.
POPE PIUS XIII
My fellow cardinals, today we face an unprecedented situation that will open doors for transparency and justice. In these holy premises, we will hold accountable those who have sinned against the Church and humanity.
The cardinals murmur amongst themselves, the tension palpable.
CARDINAL VROLLO
(Whispering to Cardinal Bernaldo)
His Holiness is a brave man to take such a step, but fear for our beloved Church.
CARDINAL BERNALDO
His hand is guided by God, my friend. Our faith in him must remain steadfast.
INT. VATICAN - CORRIDOR - DAY
POPE PIUS XIII walks with SISTER MARY, his close friend and advisor.
SISTER MARY
Do you fear the repercussions of this trial, Lenny?
POPE PIUS XIII
(Contemplative)
Alongside faith and love, fear accompanies us in this world, Mary. This trial is our chance to cleanse the Church and forge a new path.
They walk in silence for a moment, each contemplating the magnitude of the days ahead.
TO BE CONTINUED
The Young Pope: The Battle Within
INT. VATICAN - POPE PIUS XIII'S PRIVATE CHAMBERS - NIGHT
A storm rages outside the Vatican. Pope PIUS XIII (Lenny Belardo) sits in his chamber, gazing into a roaring fire. On his desk lies a letter from Cardinal VOIELLO.
PIUS XIII
(Voiceover)
They plot against me, Lord. Give me a sign that they will fail.
The fire flares up, casting strange shadows on the wall. Pius XIII is momentarily distracted by the sudden change.
PIUS XIII
(To himself)
Are you trying to tell me something, Lord?
INT. VATICAN - CARDINAL VOIELLO'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Cardinal VOIELLO speaks with an unknown figure, only showing their silhouette, hidden behind a curtain.
CARDINAL VOIELLO
The Pope's stubbornness worries me. His power has grown since the last conclave.
UNKNOWN FIGURE
I am aware. The old guard are restless, and some feel desperate.
INT. VATICAN - POPE PIUS XIII'S PRIVATE CHAMBERS - NIGHT
Pius XIII, deep in thought, opens the letter from Voilello. Slowly unfolding it, he begins to read.
VOIELLO'S LETTER
(voiceover)
Your Holiness, we must discuss the future of our Church. There are those who believe change must come. Your wisdom is needed.
PIUS XIII
(Reading, softly)
The future of the Church lies in the hands of God. I am only His servant.
INT. VATICAN - HALLWAY - NIGHT
SISTER MARY walks through ornate halls, her footsteps echoing. She sees shadows flickering through a cracked door, approaches it cautiously.
INT. VATICAN - HIDDEN ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Sister Mary peers through the crack, witnessing several high-ranking cardinals chanting in Latin, holding an elaborate ritual.
SISTER MARY
(Whispering)
What are they trying to summon?
INT. VATICAN - CARDINAL VOIELLO'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Unknown Figure casts a dark look at Voilello.
UNKNOWN FIGURE
His Holiness must be persuaded. I have prepared methods to ensure it. If not, his reign could destroy us all.
Voilello’s brow furrows in uncertainty.
INT. VATICAN - POPE PIUS XIII'S PRIVATE CHAMBERS - NIGHT
Pius XIII finishes reading the letter, an uneasy feeling settling over him.
PIUS XIII
Come, what may… I will not be swayed.
He clenches his fists, determination shining in his eyes.
EXT. VATICAN BALCONY - NIGHT
Pius XIII steps out to the stormy night, watching the lightning play in the sky. His cape billows behind him.
PIUS XIII
They will come for me. Guide me, Lord, through the darkness they bring.
The camera slowly zooms out, a last glimpse of Pius XIII standing resolute amidst the storm.
TO BE CONTINUED
The Young Pope: The Path of Redemption
INT. VATICAN - DAY
Cardinal VOIELLO and Cardinal GUTIERREZ are walking along the corridors of the Vatican, discussing the Young Pope's recent unexpected moves.
VOIELLO
I simply cannot understand why he is making such bold decisions. It's as if he wants to turn the entire Vatican on its head.
GUTIERREZ
But perhaps that is what the Church needs, a fresh perspective brought by someone as unconventional as Pope Pius XIII.
INT. POPE PIUS XIII'S OFFICE - DAY
Pope Pius XIII (LENNY) is sitting at his desk, reading a large and ancient book, while his personal secretary SOFIANE enters the room.
SOFIANE
Pope Pius, the Council of Cardinals is awaiting your presence to discuss your new proposal.
LENNY
(smiles)
Very well. Let us navigate the uncharted waters of discussion, shall we?
INT. COUNCIL ROOM - DAY
The Council of Cardinals is seated around a large, ornate table. The room is dark and filled with paintings and sculptures of past popes that add gravitas to the atmosphere. Lenny enters the room alongside Sofiane.
LENNY
(astonishing the Council with his announcement)
Gentlemen, it is my proposal that the Vatican opens its doors to the less fortunate, providing them with shelter and sustenance.
A murmur of disbelief spreads throughout the room.
VOIELLO
(angrily)
Your Holiness, the Vatican is not a charity institution. Its primary purpose is to uphold the sacred teachings and traditions of the Church!
LENNY
(challenging)
And is not charity one of the core principles upon which our faith is built?
GUTIERREZ
I must agree with Pope Pius. It is time we live up to the teachings exemplified by Christ himself.
A heated debate erupts among the Cardinals.
INT. VATICAN - NIGHT
The Council's decision still remains uncertain. Lenny, driven by a sense of divine purpose, prays silently in a darkened chapel.
LENNY
(whispers)
Lord, guide my steps on this path toward redemption, that I may steer our Church toward salvation.
INT. POPE PIUS XIII'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Lenny lies in bed, restless and deep in thought. As he drifts into sleep, memories from his past begin to flash before his eyes.
EXT. ORPHANAGE - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Young Lenny and his friend ANDREW sneak out of the orphanage, their faces filled with excitement and curiosity.
YOUNG LENNY
(impressed by the night sky)
Isn't it amazing? There are so many stars above us, Andrew. They must be a sign from God.
ANDREW
(mocking Lenny)
Well, look at you. Always a believer, huh?
INT. COUNCIL ROOM - DAY
The Cardinals are casting their votes on Lenny's proposal. The tension in the room is palpable. As the last vote is cast, Cardinal Gutierrez stands up to count the results.
GUTIERREZ
(announcing)
Pope Pius XIII's proposal has been passed by a narrow margin. We shall open our doors to the homeless and help them find solace within these walls.
Lenny watches the Council as their reactions vary greatly from joy to indignation. He knows that he has only begun to tread the path of redemption and that many trials still lay ahead.
TO BE CONTINUED
