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In Catholic belief, purification after death for those assured of salvation but not yet ready to enter heaven.

For Catholics, some people enter heaven immediately after death, while others first undergo purgatory. Purgatory is purification for those who die in friendship with God but are not yet ready for heaven. Their salvation is assured: it is not another name for hell.

The temporary purification after death of those who die in God’s friendship but are not yet fully purified. Everyone in purgatory is assured of heaven.

Purgatory is purification for people already assured of heaven, not a place where God decides between heaven and hell.

Do not confuse purgatory with hell: Catholic teaching understands purgatory as temporary purification before heaven.

In Roman Catholic teaching, a temporary state of purification for those who need cleansing before entering heaven.

Roman Catholics also teach purgatory: temporary purification before entering heaven. It is not an alternative name for hell. It expresses the belief that someone destined for heaven may still need cleansing from sin.

Purgatory

Definition

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AQA GCSE Religious Studies A · 8062

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Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies · C120