Why did Petrarch choose Rome rather than Paris for his poetic coronation?

In 1340, Petrarch received invitations from both Paris and Rome to be crowned as a poet. He chose Rome because it allowed him to make a symbolic gesture linking the Classical tradition with the Christian message.1

By accepting the coronation on the Capitoline Hill in 1341 and subsequently placing his laurel wreath on the tomb of the Apostle in St. Peter’s Basilica, Petrarch emphasized his mission as an advocate for the continuity between Classical culture and the Christian faith. This choice reflected his broader intellectual project of synthesizing these two ideals, viewing the Classical world as a rich promise and Christianity as its divine fulfillment.21