Commentary Purg XXXII 89-90

We learn that the Church Triumphant has now returned to the Empyrean, just as it will do after it descends for Dante's sake a second time, in the sphere of the Fixed Stars ([Par XXIII 70-72]).  (For the logistics of the arrival and departure of the participants in this pageant, see C.Purg.XXX.16-18 and C.Purg.XXXI.77-78.) The Griffin's departure and return to the Empyrean foreshadow the similar departure and return of Jesus described in [Par XXIII 86-87].