Synopsis

Within the vineyards of the Palazzo dei Santi Apostoli, Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere chooses grapes for the blessing of the first fruits. He is attended by Cardinal Raffaele Riario Sansoni, whose thoughts remain tethered to political matters. Cardinal Cesare, released from his cardinal's vows, dons golden armor once belonging to his deceased brother Juan. Clad thus, he assumes the guise of a king upon the papal throne, having at last enacted his own conception of ascension to heaven.