The frescoes of the Sistine Chapel feature prominently in the novel, symbolically reminding Cardinal Lomeli of what is at stake for the future pope.

The Last Judgment, for instance, is the subject of Lomeli’s fixation across a number of ballots. He reflects upon the chaos and turmoil of Michelangelo’s ceiling fresco, which reminds him of the divisiveness of the conclave and the destruction of the world around them.

Another fresco plays a significant role in the narrative, however, directly inspiring Lomeli to act and turn the tide of the conclave. In Chapter 6, Lomeli reflects upon Michelangelo’s fresco depicting the crucifixion of St. Peter, the first pope. The image inspires uneasiness in the dean, as he feels as though he is being judged as too unworthy a manager for the conclave ahead. Later, in Chapter 16, the fresco reappears after a car-bomb attack disturbs the conclave. Lomeli prays before it seeking guidance. He interprets the smoke around St. Peter and conflates it with the smoke of the bomb, reminding him that St. Peter lived in turmoil as well. This emboldens Lomeli to carry on with the conclave and see it to its end.