The Third Bolgia: Simoniacs and Pope Nicholas III

Dante and Virgil descend to the third Bolgia, where the simoniacs are punished. They are thrust headfirst into round holes in the rock, with their feet protruding and burning with flames. Dante speaks to one who writhes more than the others, and the soul mistakes him for Pope Boniface VIII. The soul reveals himself as Pope Nicholas III, who confesses his simony and prophesies the coming of Boniface and then Clement V, who will be even worse. Dante delivers a fierce rebuke against corrupt prelates, comparing them to the whore of Babylon. Virgil carries Dante up to the next arch, pleased with his righteous anger. This episode is a powerful condemnation of the corruption of the Church and the sin of simony.