The great Italian comic filmmaker, Nanni Moretti turns his satirical eye on the nomination of a new Pope. When the man is chosen he freezes at the immense responsibilities throwing the Vatican, and all Catholics into a major crisis. A psychiatrist is called in to help the elected Pope overcome his nerves, but the anointed man has other ideas.

The newly elected Pope suffers a panic attack just as he is due to appear on St Peter’s balcony to greet the faithful, who have been patiently awaiting the conclave’s decision. His advisors, unable to convince him he is the right man for the job, seek help from a renowned psychoanalyst (and atheist). But his fear of the responsibility suddenly thrust upon him is one that he must face on his own.