What Is We Have a Pope About?
The premise of We Have a Pope in 288 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the quiet corridors of the Vatican, an ancient ritual unfolds after the death of a pontiff: the conclave gathers to choose a successor, shrouded in solemnity and the weight of centuries‑old tradition. The atmosphere is a blend of reverent ceremony and palpable uncertainty, as the cardinals wrestle with the gravity of their secret ballot while the world watches the smoke that signals each round’s outcome. The setting feels both timeless and oddly contemporary, a closed world where every whispered decision reverberates beyond stone walls.
Amid the ritual, Cardinal Melville—a respected yet unassuming prelate—finds his name thrust into the spotlight, an outcome no one anticipated. Suddenly crowned as the new pope, he confronts an overwhelming sense of inadequacy and a deep, personal crisis that clashes with the monumental responsibilities of the papacy. His internal turmoil is juxtaposed against the grand expectations of a faithful global audience, creating a tension that is as much psychological as it is spiritual.
To navigate this unprecedented turmoil, the College of Cardinals summons Professor Brezzi, a psychoanalyst whose reputation for unconventional methods precedes him. The therapist’s presence introduces a subtle, almost absurd counterpoint to the solemnity of the Vatican’s hierarchy, highlighting a clash between rigid doctrine and the messy reality of human emotion. Their uneasy collaboration suggests a delicate dance between faith and reason, where the sacred space becomes a backdrop for an introspective exploration of identity and purpose.
The film balances reverence with a wry, observant tone, inviting viewers to contemplate the fragile intersection of duty, belief, and personal doubt. As the new pontiff grapples with his inner conflict, the story asks how a man can reconcile the immense weight of an ancient office with the simple, universal yearning for inner peace.
What Happens in We Have a Pope?
The complete story of We Have a Pope, from the first scene to the last, in 379 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.
Spoilers ahead
On the passing of the pope, the conclave convenes in Rome to select a successor. The initial ballots result in black smoke, indicating that no candidate has achieved the required majority. After several rounds of voting, Cardinal Melville is unexpectedly elected; he had not been seen as a leading contender. Despite his hesitation, he ultimately accepts the role and is proclaimed pope.
As the faithful gather in St. Peter’s Square, anticipation builds, and the cardinal proto-deacon is ready to announce the new pope’s name. However, Cardinal Melville experiences a panic attack and fails to make his appearance on the balcony.
To address the rising concerns, the spokesman of the Holy See evades journalists’ inquiries about the new pope’s absence, claiming that Melville requires solitude for prayer and contemplation before his official debut. Yet, hours pass, and still, there is no sign of him.
Church regulations stipulate that the election process is not complete until the new pope is publicly named; thus, the conclave remains in an impasse and no one may leave the Vatican. The College of Cardinals grows increasingly anxious about the newly elected pope’s evident crisis and emotional struggles. In a bid to address the situation, they summon Professor Brezzi, portrayed by director Nanni Moretti, a psychoanalyst. Despite their skepticism about his methods, the cardinals permit him to evaluate the new pope.
During a session intended for therapy, Professor Brezzi struggles to uncover the sources of Melville’s depression and feelings of inadequacy. He mentions that his ex-wife is also a psychoanalyst, leading the new pope to secretly consult her. Following this encounter, Melville seizes the opportunity to escape from his keepers during a leisurely walk.
Oblivious to the pope’s absence, the cardinals attempt to pass the time, engaging in various games, including cards and an international volleyball match organized by Brezzi. The spokesperson continues to assure the public that the Pope is occupied with prayer in his private chambers. Eventually, the cardinals track down Melville and offer him another chance to publicly accept his position.
He finally steps onto the balcony but expresses, >“I am not the leader you need,” and asks the gathered crowd to pray “for what he is about to do,” before retreating back into St. Peter’s Basilica, leaving the assembled faithful in confusion.
We Have a Pope Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Papal Vacancy” to “A Confused Departure”. 15 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Papal Vacancy
Following the passing of the pope, the conclave of cardinals convenes in Rome to begin the process of selecting a new leader for the Catholic Church. This moment marks the beginning of intense debates and strategic maneuvering among the cardinals as they consider potential successors.
Where:Vatican City
- 2
Initial Ballots
The conclave votes for the first time, resulting in black smoke from the Sistine Chapel, a traditional sign that no candidate has achieved the required majority. This outcome leads to their continuing deliberations and the need for further rounds of voting.
Where:Sistine Chapel, Vatican City
- 3
Surprise Election
After several rounds of voting, Cardinal Melville is unexpectedly elected as the new pope. This outcome surprises many, as he had not been considered a leading candidate, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the conclave.
Where:Sistine Chapel, Vatican City
- 4
Fear and Acceptance
Despite feeling unprepared and overwhelmed by the responsibilities ahead, Cardinal Melville accepts the papacy. His acceptance is met with anticipation and hope but also underlines the internal conflict he faces about his new role.
Where:Vatican City
- 5
Public Announcement Awaited
As the faithful gather in St. Peter's Square, excitement builds for the announcement of the new pope's name. The cardinal proto-deacon stands ready to deliver the news, creating a palpable tension among the crowd.
Where:St. Peter's Square, Vatican City
- 6
Panic Attack
Just before he is to make his appearance on the balcony, Cardinal Melville experiences a panic attack. This unexpected emotional crisis prevents him from fulfilling the expectations of the cardinals and the public, heightening the atmosphere of uncertainty.
Where:St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
- 7
Media Evasion
In response to Melville's absence, the spokesman of the Holy See sidesteps probing questions from journalists. He asserts that the new pope is engaged in private prayer and contemplation, attempting to calm public concern while the situation remains unresolved.
Where:Vatican City
- 8
Stalemate in Conclave
The cardinals realize that the election process cannot be officially completed without Melville's public naming. The conclave remains in an impasse, and the emotional struggles of their newly elected pope intensify the anxiety within the ranks of the College of Cardinals.
Where:Vatican City
- 9
Summoning Professor Brezzi
In an attempt to address the growing crisis, the cardinals call upon Professor Brezzi, a psychoanalyst. Though initially skeptical of his unconventional methods, they allow him to assess Cardinal Melville's mental state in hopes of resolving the worry surrounding his absence.
Where:Vatican City
- 10
Therapeutic Session
During a therapy session, Professor Brezzi struggles to help Melville confront his feelings of depression and inadequacy. The discussion reveals deeper personal conflicts, which lead Melville to discreetly seek assistance from his ex-wife, who is also a psychoanalyst.
Where:Vatican City
Show the other 5 events of We Have a Pope Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Escape from Conclave
Taking advantage of a moment during his leisurely walk, Melville successfully escapes from his keepers. This decision signifies a turning point, as he seeks solace away from the expectations placed upon him as the new pope.
Where:Vatican City
- 12
Cardinals Pass Time
Meanwhile, the cardinals try to occupy themselves with various activities, such as playing cards and participating in an international volleyball match organized by Brezzi. This lighthearted distraction serves as a temporary reprieve from the underlying tensions in the conclave.
Where:Vatican City
- 13
Continued Reassurance
The spokesman continues to assure the public that the new pope is simply engaged in private prayer. These repeated assurances build up the mystique of Melville's absence but also raise suspicions about the true nature of the situation within the Vatican.
Where:Vatican City
- 14
Melville's Public Appearance
Eventually, the cardinals locate Melville and persuade him to make another attempt at his public acceptance. When he finally steps onto the balcony, his message reveals his deep volatility; he confesses, 'I am not the leader you need.'
Where:St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City
- 15
A Confused Departure
In a moment that leaves the faithful in confusion, Melville asks the crowd to pray for 'what he is about to do.' He then retreats into St. Peter's Basilica, leaving unanswered questions and a sense of uncertainty about the future of the papacy.
Where:St. Peter's Square, Vatican City
Who Are the Main Characters in We Have a Pope?
2 characters, among them Cardinal Melville and Professor Brezzi (Nanni Moretti): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 1 of them link to the actor’s page.
- CM
Cardinal Melville
Cardinal Melville is a reluctant leader thrust into the papacy unexpectedly. His character is defined by his overwhelming feelings of inadequacy and anxiety that manifest during the conclave. Despite being chosen to lead, Melville's internal conflicts and panic attacks paint a complex portrait of a man struggling to reconcile his faith with his fear of failure.
- 😔 Emotions
- 🌟 Leadership
- PB
Professor Brezzi (Nanni Moretti)
Played by Nanni Moretti
Professor Brezzi serves as both a psychoanalyst and a mediator for Cardinal Melville. His character is characterized by a mix of skepticism and compassion, as he tries to navigate the complexities of the newly elected pope's psyche. Brezzi brings a unique perspective to the narrative, challenging the traditional views of leadership and mental health within the church.
- 🧠 Therapy
- 🎓 Academia
Where and When Is We Have a Pope Set?
We Have a Pope is set in Rome, Vatican City, St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The film takes place during a contemporary papal conclave, a critical period where the College of Cardinals convenes to elect a new pope. This moment is marked by the tension and anticipation surrounding the election process, reflecting the complexities of church leadership in the modern age.
Where
Rome, Vatican City, St. Peter's Square, St. Peter's Basilica
The movie is set primarily in Rome, specifically within the Vatican City, which is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. St. Peter's Square, known for its grandeur and significant gatherings of the faithful, serves as a backdrop for the pope's unveiling. St. Peter's Basilica, an architectural masterpiece, embodies the religious significance and power of the papacy.
- 🏛️ Historical
- ⛪ Religion
- 🌍 Vatican
What Are the Themes of We Have a Pope?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Fear and Anxiety and Identity and Inadequacy.
-
01
Fear and Anxiety
The theme of fear and anxiety is central to the film, particularly through Cardinal Melville's panic attack and emotional struggles as he faces the daunting responsibility of becoming pope. This theme is mirrored in the anxious atmosphere among the cardinals, who grapple with the uncertainty of their leader's mental state. The movie explores how internal conflicts can impede one's ability to embrace leadership in times of crisis.
-
02
Identity and Inadequacy
Cardinal Melville's journey delves into themes of identity and feelings of inadequacy, as he confronts his reluctance to step into a role he feels unprepared for. This is exacerbated by his secret consultations with a psychoanalyst, reflecting the struggle many face between personal desires and public expectations. The theme highlights the human side of leadership and the vulnerabilities that come with it.
What Kind of Film Is We Have a Pope?
Melancholic in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Melancholic
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Ambiguous
A contemplative and gently melancholic film that follows a man's quiet unraveling under immense pressure, set against the absurd backdrop of a paralyzed Vatican, creating an atmosphere of anxious introspection.
- anxious
- contemplative
- claustrophobic
- introspective
- uncertain
- solemn
- crisis of faith
- psychological pressure
- institutional duty
- personal freedom
Content notes: mental health crisis, panic attack.
Quiz
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