Madonna Giulia wrote to Rome saying they were well treated, and asking that their ransom be sent."[37] The knowledge of this catastrophe caused Alexander the greatest dismay.
He immediately despatched a chamberlain to Marino, where Cardinal Ascanio was to be found in the headquarters of the Colonna, and who, on his urgent request, had returned November 2d, and had had an interview with King Charles.

He complained to the cardinal of the indignity which had been put upon him, and asked his cooperation to secure the release of the prisoners.

He also wrote to Galeazzo of Sanseverino, who was accompanying the king to Siena, and who, wishing to please the Pope, urged Charles VIII to release the ladies.

Accompanied by an escort of four hundred of the French, they were led to the gates of Rome, where they were received December 1st by Juan Marades, the Pope's chamberlain.[38] This romantic adventure caused a sensation throughout all Italy.

The people, instead of sympathizing with the Pope, ridiculed him mercilessly.