As the Christmas holidays approach, Don Donato, now a cardinal, is called back from Rome to assist his uncle the bishop. The latter, in fact, requires constant care.
After six months spent meditating in the high mountains, Don Donato returns to Pellizzano to pack his bags and leave for Rome, where he will return to wearing civilian clothes. However, he finds the country much changed, full of arcades and women of easy virtue.
Don Donato is ready to reveal to everyone that he is not a real priest in order to return to Cesira and be a father to Junior. However, his uncle hinders him in every way for fear that such a scandal will make him lose the opportunity to become a cardinal.
After the news of the death of Don Dino, who was transferred to Trentino, Donato leaves to attend the funeral. When he arrives at his destination, he discovers that he has been appointed his deputy in the parish.
