Status Updates From Divina Commedia

“When I departed from Circe..” • This book is far more Greek mythology than Catholic propaganda.

Canto XXIII of Inferno. You’ve reached Ditch Six of Malebolge, where the Hypocrites are punished.

Malacoda is lying through his teeth to lure them into a trap. It's a brilliant narrative choice by Dante: the demons who guard the corrupt politicians are, naturally, completely untrustworthy liars themselves.

The Sin: Lust (The Carnal) This circle holds those who committed the sin of lust—or as Dante beautifully defines it, those "who subject reason to desire."
Dante feels immense pity for these souls because he recognizes how easily human beings can be swept away by love and passion.