A humble parish priest unexpectedly elected to the papacy abandons his new responsibilities to disappear into the Italian countryside. The protagonist, overwhelmed by the sudden transition from a quiet life of service to the global scrutiny of the Vatican, seeks anonymity to reconcile his personal faith with the demands of his new office. His flight forces a confrontation with the bureaucratic machinery of the church and his own internal resistance to authority. The narrative follows his physical movement through rural landscapes while simultaneously tracking his psychological shift toward acceptance of his role.

Discussion often centers on the author's ability to humanize a figure typically viewed through a lens of rigid tradition. Readers frequently highlight the quiet, contemplative pacing of the narrative as a strength that allows for deep character development. Critics often note the balance between the humorous elements of the priest's escape and the serious theological questions posed by his reluctance. The work is frequently cited for its focus on the individual's struggle to maintain integrity within a massive, impersonal institution.