Pope Pius X111 is dying, Cardinal Manzu is operating a financial scam with people outside the Vatican. To continue the scam he must obtain a fresh mandate from the new pope. Monsignor Spolverini becomes aware of the scam, but what can he do about it? The church is in dire straights. Paulo Sabbioni, a humble prelate, cannot understand how he became a bishop, never mind Patriarch of Venice; terminally ill, Cardinal Crosoli, in Florence, knows who he wantsto be the new pope, but can he do it? He also learns about the scam. His over riding concern: can the church be saved?
