# Canto XIX: The Simoniacs and Pope Nicholas III explained — The Divine Comedy

> Chapter companion for The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri.

## What happens

Dante and Virgil descend into the third bolgia of the eighth circle, where the simoniacs are punished headfirst in holes with flames burning their feet. Dante confronts Pope Nicholas III, who mistakes him for Pope Boniface VIII. Dante delivers a fierce condemnation of simony and the corruption of the Church, contrasting it with the poverty and humility of the early apostles. Virgil carries Dante to the next bridge.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Corruption and Civic Strife

Dante's fierce denunciation of simony and the Church's greed for wealth and power, which corrupts both spiritual and civic life.

### Divine Justice

The punishment of the simoniacs—headfirst in holes with burning feet—reflects the inversion of their earthly priorities and the justice of God's distribution.

## Character check-ins

### Dante Alighieri

The pilgrim who confronts and condemns the simoniac Pope Nicholas III.

### Virgil

Dante's guide who carries him across the bridge to the next bolgia.

### Pope Nicholas III

A simoniac pope punished upside down in a hole, who mistakes Dante for Boniface VIII.

### Pope Boniface VIII

Mentioned by Nicholas III as the next simoniac pope to be punished.

## Key lines

> O Simon Magus, O forlorn disciples, Ye who the things of God, which ought to be The brides of holiness, rapaciously For silver and for gold do prostitute...

Dante curses Simon Magus and all simoniacs who sell sacred things for money.

_Opening apostrophe against simony._

> Know that I vested was with the great mantle; And truly was I son of the She-bear, So eager to advance the cubs, that wealth Above, and here myself, I pocketed.

Pope Nicholas III admits he was a simoniac pope who enriched his family (the Orsini, symbolized by the she-bear) and himself.

_Nicholas III confesses his sin of nepotism and simony._

> Ye have made yourselves a god of gold and silver; And from the idolater how differ ye, Save that he one, and ye a hundred worship?

Dante accuses corrupt churchmen of worshiping money like idolaters, but worse, because they worship many idols.

_Dante's sharp critique of clerical avarice._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_divine_comedy_se/chapters/canto-xix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_divine_comedy_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_divine_comedy_se/chapters