Dante: Searcher and Discoverer

The seven hundredth anniversary of Dante (1321-2021) is a fresh opportunity for a dialogue on both his philosophical and theological reflection and his keen observation of humanity. The supreme poet (Sommo Poeta) is capable of touching men and women of every time, and—as Pope Francis observes—“through his immortal works still has much to say and offer to those who desire to travel the way to true knowledge, to the authentic discovery of self, of the world, of life’s profound and transcendent meaning.” His constant spiritual search for the meaning of existence makes Dante a poet able to triumph over time, to cross space, and to transcend religious boundaries through a Catholic outlook at once distinctive and universal.

This conversation with three leading interpreters of Dante—Mary Jo Bang, Francesco Ciabattoni, and Vittorio Montemaggi—will be an opportunity to walk the paths of Dante seven centuries after he did. Debora Tonelli, Georgetown’s representative in Rome, will introduce the conversation; Paul Elie, author and senior fellow at the Berkley Center, will moderate.