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. 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. Introduced briefly as the potential moderate replacement for
Nine months after his sudden heart attack, (Lenny Belardo) remains comatose, while a cult of followers gathers outside his hospital, treating him as a living saint. Worried about the rise of "Pius-idolatry," the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Voiello , moves to elect a new pope. Nine months after his sudden heart attack, (Lenny
The shadowy Ambassador of the Holy See who provides "expository clarity" and is linked to Francis II’s sudden demise.
Voiello's bitter rival, also played by Orlando.
The Machiavellian Secretary of State trying to maintain control through a puppet pope.