Back at the Casa Santa Marta, Lomeli decides to share the news of the attacks with the college. Some cardinals, including Tedesco, believe the news will influence their decision-making process. Lomeli gives them the freedom to withdraw from the room. He provides the details of the coordinated attacks, including their targets.

Benítez insists on addressing the college. He endorses Lomeli’s candidacy as pope, redirecting the votes that have been cast for himself to the dean. Tedesco criticizes Benítez’s statement but goes too far in mudslinging against Lomeli and showing his bias against Islam. He blames Muslims for the attacks. This upsets some of the cardinals. Benítez responds that based on his experience in Baghdad, more Christian Iraqis have been killed by the American military than by Muslims.

Bellini proposes that the conclave should urgently proceed to the next ballot. The cardinals agree. Bellini anticipates that Lomeli will win the election.

The cardinals collectively walk back to the Sistine Chapel. Press helicopters snap photos of the movement, attracting the attention of the thousands of pilgrims who have come to Vatican City to greet the new pope.

Lomeli decides to vote for Benítez this time, believing he is the only viable candidate left apart from himself.