The Catholic Church defines purgatory as a final purification for those who die in God’s grace and friendship but are still “imperfectly purified”. The Church clarifies that while these souls are fully assured of their eternal salvation (they are guaranteed to go to heaven), they must undergo this post-death cleansing to achieve the absolute holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.

The Church explicitly emphasises that purgatory is entirely different from the punishment of hell. It is not a “second chance” at salvation or a minor version of hell; rather, it is viewed as an extension of God’s mercy for the elect.

While popular culture and historical artwork often depict purgatory as a physical place or a prison, official Catholic doctrine treats it as a temporary state or condition of existence rather than a geographical location. Furthermore, while historical teachings and saints frequently use the imagery of “cleansing fire”, the Church does not dogmatically define purgatory as involving literal, physical fire, but rather a spiritual, purifying love.

The living can help lessen the purification process of these souls by praying for them, offering the sacrifice of the Mass for them, applying indulgences to them and so on.