Tedesco and Tremblay campaign over dinner. Bellini’s supporters are torn over the presumed outcomes of the conclave. Lomeli, meanwhile, remains disturbed by Benítez’s criticism. 

Lomeli retires early and passes by Sister Agnes’ office to ask about Sister Shanumi. After learning that the nun has already been sent back to Nigeria, Lomeli probes deeper into the reasons for her assignment in Rome. Sister Agnes is reticent to speak further on the matter, but when Lomeli confides his belief that the late pope had a plan for the conclave, the nun shows him an email revealing that it was not the pope who requested Sister Shanumi’s assignment. It was Cardinal Tremblay.

Convinced that Tremblay conspired to sabotage Adeyemi’s chance at the papacy, Lomeli confronts him, urging him to withdraw from the election. Tremblay is outraged by the accusation but finally admits that he did it on behalf of the late pope. Lomeli fails to believe his explanation and urges him to withdraw once again. Tremblay accuses Lomeli of trying to strengthen his position in the conclave.

Unable to sleep that night, Lomeli sneaks into the late pope’s apartment, breaking the seal over the door. He inspects the pope’s belongings and finds nothing at first. After kneeling before the pope’s bed and praying for guidance, he feels the pope’s spirit guide him toward several concealed drawers in the bed frame.