Cardinal Lamberto left Rome with a large sum of money and several documents. Fearing that their corruption will be exposed, Keinszig, Lucchesi, and Gilday plot to murder the Pope. Gilday poisons the pontiff's tea, killing him in his sleep. The character of Lamberto and the film's depiction of the events which led to his murder are based upon one of the conspiracy theories surrounding the sudden death of the real-life Pope John Paul I, Albino Luciani. Like the Lamberto character, Luciani was discovered dead in his bed in 1978, 33 days after his election to the papacy. Various theories, such as the
Clemente Domínguez y Gómez of Angels shall assist you... me Great Pope Gregory, Glory of the Olives..." He also claimed that Christ had named him His sub-Vicar, with the automatic right of succession to the papacy after Pope Paul VI. On 6 August 1978, Pope Paul died and Domínguez claimed the papacy, proclaiming himself "Pope Gregory XVII". Domínguez claimed that he was visited by Christ, along with St. Peter and St. Paul, who told him The reign of the Glory of the Olives has begun... A great day today, in which you are vested with the Office of Pope, on this feast of the