Pope John-Paul II's funeral was the largest public event in history. After the mourning was over there was to be a new beginning in the Roman Catholic world. This lively documentary reveals the details and events surrounding the election of Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, the 264th Pontiff since St. Peter. As an amazing piece of theatre unfolds before our eyes we bear witness to a dramatic display of pageantry, politics and overwhelming media attention. Just after the Pope's death 115 cardinals from around the world flocked to Rome and were faced with the burden of responsibility in choosing a suitable and worthy new Pope. Many of them had never met before and so they had to get acquainted. This enlightening film allows us to see inside and outside the Vatican where we listen to accounts from journalists, holy men and the waiting public. Reporters give their opinions of who they think might be Pope: in one man's words it is a truly open horse race and anything can happen while another says the Holy Spirit has a hand in the decision. As the Catholic world prepares for a new spiritual leader spectators including nuns, priests and ordinary folk have their personal favourites and are quick to speculate about the heavyweights in the running. When the decision is made white smoke appears from the Vatican chimney. After some confusion as to whether it is white or grey, the crowd quietly waits for the answer. In the jubilation that follows it is easy to see how people are caught up in the spectacle of the event and many aren't even Catholic. As a charming insight, this film will explore the events of a dramatic week and introduce the importance that this decision will make for the future of the Church in modern society.