Commentary Inf XIX 52-53

The first naming of Pope Boniface VIII (Benedetto Caetani) in the poem. Succeeding Celestine V in January of 1295 and dying in October of 1303, he greatly strengthened the power of the papacy, while also asserting its temporal power in the realm Dante allowed to Empire alone. His support of the Black Guelphs and the French forces in Florence earned him Dante's unflagging enmity. Nicholas's taking Dante for Boniface is grimly yet hilariously amusing. His doubled phrasing will be echoed in Virgil's instructions to Dante a few lines later ([Inf XIX 61-62]).