We Have a Pope

The Pope is dead. And as has been customary for centuries, all cardinal electors retire to the conclave to choose their successor to the Chair of Peter from among their ranks. The dignitaries, all of whom are elderly, have one main goal: may this chalice pass them by. That is why they finally elect the rather unknown Frenchman Melville (Michel Piccoli) by an overwhelming majority. At first shocked, the cardinal agrees, but as soon as he wears the white habit of the Holy Father, he panics. While the words "Habemus Papam!" are proclaimed in a cheerful voice on the balcony above St. Peter's Square, the cardinals and assembled faithful hear a horrific scream. After minutes of silence, the clergy withdraw from the balcony and close the doors. The faithful and the media are at a loss. Not even the name of the new man was mentioned. An unprecedented scenario is now unfolding behind the doors of the Vatican: Where is the Pope? Why has he gone into hiding? Can a psychiatrist perhaps help him? Finally, the best in his profession, psychology professor Brezzi (Nanni Moretti), is called in. But instead of being able to talk to his "patient" in private, the first meeting takes place in front of the assembled College of Cardinals. And of course, questions about youth, motherhood or sexuality are not allowed. Brezzi is at a loss, and the Pope remains mute and stubborn. He is therefore secretly smuggled out of the Vatican so that he can get help incognito from Brezzi's ex-wife (Margherita Buy), who is also a well-known psychologist. But the cunning Frenchman makes off in his civilian clothes and from then on tries to help himself. Meanwhile, in the Vatican, everything must be done to conceal the disappearance of His Holiness from the cardinals. Even a Swiss guardsman is brought in for the job.