Mercy and Manfred

[richard]

Maybe because of his brutal past? It illustrates God's Mercy (repentant thief on the Cross)

Absolutely - picking one of "the worst", who repented very late - AND - was excommunicated by the Church. 

Despite all of this, through God's Mercy and forgiveness, Manfred is on the path to Purgation. But, it will take a very long time. 

So it's sort of a warning too; living in vice for very long has a price. Better to change and re-orient as soon as possible!