Historic Analysis

The term Simonist originates from Simon Magus who was a magician that tried to buy the rights and power to administer the holy ghost.

The soul of the sinner that Dante address is Pope Nicholas III. He was the chief sinner in the pit demonstrated by the height of the flames on  his feet.

Pope Nicholas was known for his excessive nepotism(favoritism granted in politics/business to relative regardless of merit). he had elevated three of his closest relatives to cardinal and gave other important positions.

Artistic representation of Pope Nicholas III

Pope Nicholas foreshadowed that Pope BonifaceVII will soon be placed there and after him and even more corrupt pope will follow him Pope Boniface Clement V.