Jacopo Cardinal Lomeli is the protagonist of Conclave. He is the Dean of the College of Cardinals and the Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia. As the dean, he is also the commissioner of the papal conclave, overseeing its procedures and enforcing decisions that ensure the election’s integrity. Lomeli was fascinated by Church tradition from an early age. In Chapter 2, he shares his memories of following the conclave proceedings as a child. After his ordination, he quickly ascended the ranks, teaching canon law, serving as a diplomat for the Vatican, and then working as its Secretary of State before being assigned to his present role. As such, he has little experience as a pastor in an ordinary setting, which contrasts him against the missionary Cardinal Benítez.

Key to Lomeli’s backstory is his bout with prostate cancer, which triggers a personal crisis of faith. He tries to remedy this by entering monastic life, but the late pope rejects his resignation, stressing that Lomeli is a manager by nature, not a “shepherd.” This gives rise to Lomeli’s chief character flaw, which is his insecurity. He feels unworthy of overseeing the conclave, driving him to constantly pray for guidance and strength.