Jerome Bonaparte and Pope Pius IX had a long conversation, during which Pope Pius IX inquired about the existing issues in Rome, and Jerome Bonaparte responded to him as best as he could.
As night fell, under the invitation of Pope Pius IX, Jerome Bonaparte felt quite at home, and at the banquet, Pope Pius IX discussed many matters regarding the Emperor in the army back then with Jerome Bonaparte, also sighing that if the Emperor had not failed, he might still be in the French Army, perhaps even rising to become a General.
Jerome Bonaparte flatteringly stated that the achievements of Pope Pius IX now far surpassed those of any French General.
The two, each with their own thoughts, parted with "mirth and laughter".
Having left the Vatican Palace's banquet hall, Jerome Bonaparte, guided by a priest, sat in the carriage specifically prepared for him by Pope Pius IX.
