The Departure of Beatrice and the Intercession of St. Bernard

Dante looks for Beatrice but finds St. Bernard of Clairvaux in her place. Bernard explains that Beatrice has returned to her throne in the rose, and that he will guide Dante in the final stage of his journey. Bernard points out the Virgin Mary, the Queen of Heaven, and the great saints: Adam, St. Peter, St. John the Baptist, St. Francis, St. Benedict, and St. Augustine. He explains the arrangement of the rose, with the souls of those who believed in Christ to come on one side and those who believed in Christ already come on the other. This episode marks the transition from Beatrice's guidance to Bernard's, as Dante prepares for the final vision of God.