Conclave

What are the values that define a good judge or moderator? Discuss how you would assess Lomeli on the standards you’ve identified.

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.