Cunizza

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In Canto IX of Paradiso, set in the Heaven of Venus, a luminous spirit addresses Dante, introducing herself with the words «Cunizza fui chiamata, e qui refulgo» (Par. IX, 32). The spirit joyfully affirms that she recognizes in her earthly past the root of her present beatitude, observing that such joy might seem strong to the common crowd of the living. The commentary on the canto identifies her as «Cunizza da Romano», belonging to the house that had dominated in Padua in the first half of the century, and recalls that from her Dante heard the name of Padua. Her presence in this heaven is tied to the theme of passionate sensual love which, through repentance and conversion, can be transformed into the most ardent divine love.