The Sixth Bolgia: Hypocrites and Caiaphas

Dante and Virgil enter the sixth Bolgia, where the hypocrites walk slowly, wearing gilded leaden cloaks that are dazzling on the outside but unbearably heavy within. Two of them, Catalano and Loderingo, Bolognese friars of the Frati Gaudenti, speak with Dante. They point out Caiaphas, the high priest who counseled the Pharisees to crucify Christ, who is himself crucified to the ground with three stakes, and trampled by the other hypocrites. Virgil asks for directions, and Catalano tells them of a broken bridge. Virgil is angry, realizing Malacoda lied about the sixth arch being intact. This episode condemns religious hypocrisy and the abuse of authority.