Dante loves and reveres Brunetto Latini (Canto XV, Dante's Inferno), although he is a condemned sodomite. How does one explain this?

Dante (the character)
comes upon Brunetto Latini in ,XV. Dante is in the Seventh Circle (saved
for those who commit murder, suicide, sodomy, and usury). Latini, a sodomite, is recognized by
Dante, even though Latini had "parch'd looks" and was "smirch'd with
fire."

After the two exchange welcomes, Latini advises Dante to turn
back from where he came. Dante refuses and states he wishes to speak with him first.Throughout
the conversation, Latini refers to Dante as "son," while Dane refers to Latini as his
"paternal image."

This relationship (and scene) illustrates that
the love shared between two people allows one to look past the errors of the other. Dante sees
Latini as the one who instructed him in lessons which he "priz'd." As the canto
continues, Latini educates Dante regarding perseverance.