The Ultimate Fighter

Series premiere. Following his heart attack, Pope Pius XIII lies in a coma while his followers pray for a recovery. As the threat of terrorism and the potential risks of Pius’s idolatry loom, Secretary of State Cardinal Voiello is pressured to bring a new pope to power and, with the conclave at a deadlock, makes a hasty move that throws the Church into even greater chaos.

As rumors swirl about the Church’s role in a sudden death, Voiello, Gutierrez, Assente, Aguirre and Sofia travel to the UK to the grand estate of Sir John Brannox, hoping to convince him to return with them to the Vatican and accept the holiest of roles. Meanwhile, Ester shares her son's story with the press to makes ends meet.

Still considering the offer of Supreme Pontiff, Brannox reflects on his past, while Voiello makes clear his commitment to his mission's success. After being elected pope and taking the name "John Paul III," Brannox preaches the importance of family, truth and love in his first public homily and to the cardinals.

Following an audience with Marilyn Manson, Brannox decides to pay a visit to Pius XIII.

A brutal act of terrorism in France leads to an unconventional response from the pope that strikes a chord with the public. Feeling disconnected from her husband, Sofia reaches out to Brannox, who shares more of his personal history. Pius XIII's followers flock to Venice when there's a sudden change in his condition.

A confrontation with Spalletta leads Brannox to deliver some unwelcome news to Voiello. Sofia learns what her husband has been keeping from her. Voiello ties up loose ends. Ester expands her business and takes drastic action when she is met with opposition. Brannox agrees to a live televised interview that asks him to delve into his past.

A miracle occurs in Venice and Brannox admits a hard truth while Sofia seeks Voiello's council.

Sofia sets out to bring an ashamed Brannox back to the Vatican from the Dolomites, where the two share an intimate moment. Warned by Bauer of the Church's demise unless immediate action is taken, Voiello is called upon to make things right and, later, mourns a tragic loss. The nuns appeal to an unaccommodating Assente.

John Paul III addresses his followers with a message of love that resonates. A historic meeting of the minds occurs after six children and their teacher are taken hostage on the island of Ventotene. As the Church prepares for battle, Voiello receives a visit from a man close to the caliph and a rescue mission has an unexpected conclusion.