In Catholic theology, what is Purgatory?

• A. Heaven
• B. Purgatory
• C. Hell
• D. Limbo

Answer: (B)

Purgatory is a postmortem state of purification for souls who die in friendship with God but still need cleansing from the residual effects of sin or from temporal punishment. It isn’t Heaven, where the faithful enjoy eternal union with God, and it isn’t Hell, which is eternal separation from God. It’s also not Limbo, which is an older idea about unbaptized souls and is not taught as a formal doctrine today. In Purgatory, the soul undergoes purification so it can enter heaven fully prepared to behold God. The living can assist those undergoing purification through prayers, Masses, and indulgences, reflecting the belief in the communion of saints and the ongoing relationship between the living and the dead.