Why was Dante Alighieri sent on an embassy to Rome in 1301?

In 1301, Dante Alighieri was sent on an embassy to Rome to discuss political matters with Pope Boniface VIII.1

At the time, Florence was experiencing intense political instability due to factional conflict between the "Black" and "White" Guelfs. The city faced a crisis regarding whether to permit Charles of Valois—who was acting in concert with the Pope and the Black Guelfs—to enter the city. Dante, who aligned with the White Guelfs, was sent to Rome as part of an effort to navigate this political indecision.1

Ultimately, the mission was unsuccessful; Dante was outmaneuvered and detained in Rome. While he was away, the Black Guelfs seized control of Florence, leading to Dante's condemnation and subsequent exile from the city in 1302.12