The Earthquake in Purgatory and the Meeting with Statius

The earthquake that shook the mountain is explained by the soul of Statius, the Roman poet, who has just completed his purgation and is now free to ascend to Heaven. He explains that the mountain trembles whenever a soul feels itself pure and ready to ascend. Statius has been on the terrace of avarice for over five hundred years. He expresses his deep admiration for Virgil, whose Aeneid inspired him to become a poet and a Christian. Statius joins Dante and Virgil on their journey. This episode celebrates the power of poetry and the grace of conversion.