Conclave

The novel references the Second Vatican Council as a major turning point in the Catholic Church’s history. Given his preoccupations and perspective, how might Pope Innocent XIV’s papacy continue (or disrupt) this trend of change?

The internal tension within the College of Cardinals exists in secular institutions as well. Given the idea that change does not always equate to progress, choose another age-old institution and argue whether traditionalism or liberalism would be beneficial in that context.

How does the novel’s end recall Lomeli’s sermon at the conclave’s opening? Discuss how Lomeli’s call for tolerance and doubt plays into the book’s final scenes.

How does Sister Agnes’ role in the narrative reflect the book’s position on women serving in the Church? Is Harris arguing for their participation or does he fall short of driving this point forward?

Discuss Harris’s depiction of intersex people through the character of Cardinal Benítez/Pope Innocent XIV. Was it a positive depiction? If not, discuss the ways Harris could have approached the character with more sensitivity and nuance.

Bellini cautions Lomeli against harboring ambitions for the papacy as Tremblay openly does. How does Bellini function as a cautionary tale about reluctance or the refusal of a call to action? How does his political position reflect approaches to liberalism in secular society?

The unnamed late pope looms over the novel like a spectral presence. How does Harris’ decision to minimize his presence contribute to the novel’s themes of providence and faith? Consider whether he might have been pleased by the conclave’s outcome.

Discuss the new pope’s decision to refrain from recriminating the cardinals who were exposed as scandalous during the conclave. How does this illustrate the novel’s position on the tension between justice and mercy? How does this decision speak to the scandals surrounding the real-life Catholic Church?