PURGATORY

We believe … That the souls, by the purifying compensation are purged after death.

Council of Lyons II (1274):

“If they have died repentant for their sins and having love of God, but have not made satisfaction for things they have done or omitted by fruits worthy of penance, then their souls, after death, are cleansed by the punishment of Purgatory…the suffrages of the faithful still living are efficacious in bringing them relief from such punishment, namely the Sacrifice of the Mass, prayers and almsgiving and other works of piety which, in accordance with the designation of the Church, are customarily offered by the faithful for each other.” 12

Council of Florence (1438–1443):

“We constantly hold that purgatory exists, and that the souls of the faithful there detained are helped by the prayers of the faithful.”

Council of Trent (1545–1563)

1021: “Each will be rewarded immediately after death in accordance with his works and faith.”

1023: “Those who die in God’s grace and friendship and are perfectly purified [with no need of purgatory] live for ever with Christ”

The Roman Catholic Catechism states: