Langdon and Vittoria travel to Rome in CERN’s jet. On the way, Vittoria asks Langdon about his interest in symbology and whether he believes in God. Vittoria distinguishes between organized religion and spirituality and succinctly expresses her belief in a higher power.

Langdon tells Vittoria about the presence of Illuminati symbolism and influence in American currency, politics, and culture.

They arrive in Italy and are collected by a Vatican City helicopter. Vittoria comments on Langdon’s Mickey Mouse watch. The pilot, dressed in traditional Swiss Guard regalia, is unimpressed with Vittoria’s shorts (long pants are a rule in Vatican City), but she has no other clothing with her. They board the helicopter.

Langdon and Vittoria are surprised to see a crowd of reporters outside Vatican City, and they wonder if news of the CERN canister has leaked. The pilot explains that “Il Conclave” is beginning soon to select the next Pope. Langdon realizes with dread that every cardinal from the world is present, and “the entire power structure of the Roman Catholic Church is sitting on a time bomb” (121).