Dante’s Paradiso: Cantos XV-XXVII
Canto XV-XVIII: Fifth Heaven (Mars)
The Souls of Warriors of the Faith
Dante finds his ancestor Cacciaguida among the souls who fought for the faith. Cacciaguida inquires about Dante’s life and foretells his exile, a path of hardship and betrayal. He advises Dante to find refuge in the courtesy of Lombardo. Beatrice explains that the blessed spirits achieved great renown through their actions before ascending to Heaven. Dante observes their increasing virtue.
The souls form luminous letters spelling “Diligite iustitiam,” followed by “qui iudicatis terram.” These lights then transform into an eagle, symbolizing the Holy Roman Empire.
Canto XIX-XX: Sixth Heaven (Jupiter)
The Just and Merciful
The imperial eagle declares that the just and compassionate are exalted here. It warns Dante about the evils of the world and urges him to remember the righteous, even amidst wickedness. Dante emphasizes the importance of faith and good works for salvation.
The eagle identifies the souls forming its eye. The pupil represents the singer of the Holy Spirit. The five souls forming the eyebrow closest to the beak represent those who learned the cost of following Christ. The soul at the top of the circle understands the unchanging nature of God’s judgments. The others, guided by good intentions that yielded bad results, recognize that their actions were not harmful if they caused no further destruction. The soul on the declining arc knows of Heaven’s love for a righteous king.
God revealed to these souls the future redemption of humanity. Three women, including one baptized over a thousand years before the institution of baptism, are mentioned as being at the right wheel of the chariot.
Canto XXI-XXII: Seventh Heaven (Saturn)
The Contemplative
Beatrice’s beauty intensifies as they ascend. She explains that her radiance increases as they approach the eternal palace. Dante sees a ladder of light ascending so high that his eyes cannot follow. Many splendors descend, and one, shining brightly, identifies himself as Peter Damian. He recounts his life and criticizes the luxury and corruption of prelates.
Beatrice speaks of love and points out contemplative souls, those who embrace the passion that produces holy fruits. Dante asks to see her face unveiled, but she explains that his wish will be granted only in the final sphere, where all are perfect and whole. She also condemns the corruption within monasteries.
Canto XXIII-XXVII: Eighth Heaven (The Fixed Stars)
The Triumph of Christ
Dante and Beatrice witness the triumph of Christ and the fruits of the celestial spheres. Dante is captivated by Beatrice’s beauty and initially overlooks the garden blooming beneath Christ’s rays. Christ and the Virgin Mary ascend to the Empyrean.
Beatrice tests Dante’s faith, asking him to define it. Dante replies, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” She further questions why faith is placed among substances rather than arguments. Dante explains that faith is based on hope and therefore takes the name of substance. He passes the test and is blessed.
St. James examines Dante on hope, to which he responds, “Hope is a certain expectation of future life, produced by God’s grace and prior merits.” Dante’s answer receives general approval. He attempts to see St. John’s body, which momentarily disappears, even though Beatrice is by his side.