Commentary Par XIX 25-33

We probably are reminded of the presence in Limbo of the virtuous pagans (unauthorized by previous authority, e.g., St. Thomas, who denies them a place alongside the only inhabitants of the 'orthodox' Limbus, the innocent but unbaptized infants [see C.Inf.IV.30]).  It was clear from that earlier passage that our poet had a problem with traditional Christian views of the 'guilt' of otherwise morally good (or even excellent) human beings.  The last words of his request to the souls in the Eagle make it plain that in his life he had been bothered by the Church's teaching on the post-mortal situation of the virtuous heathen.