Alerted by an unexpected fanfare, the college of cardinals poured out of their rooms and studies to meet a most unexpected sight. With all the pomp and circumstance of a major prince, a gold-adorned carriage rolled up to the well-worn steps of St. Peter's Basilica, a stark contrast to the church currently in such a state of disrepair. Out stepped a short balding man, whom many in attendance immediately recognized as Tamás Bakócz - the archbishop of Esztergom. He was ostensibly here to discuss the investigation by a papal commission into the marriage between King Vladislaus II of Hungary and his current wife, Beatrice of Naples, an investigation that had been underway for many years and which most expected to recommend that the Pope declare the marriage illegal. However, many in the college of cardinals knew that Tamás was also here to petition the pope for a cardinalship - a position he has been seeking for some time, and one that few doubted he would rise to.

Tamás walked up the steps of the basilica and approached a nearby guard. These were Swiss mercenaries, guards who after their first use nearly 20 years ago had become a near permanent installation in Rome. The guard lead Tamás to their commander, to whom he gave a direct request:

"Well met, good sir. I am here to seek audience with His Holiness Pope Alexander VI."