Catholics/Purgatory

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Expert: - 8/22/2007


Question
Do Catholics belive that everybody will pass through Purgatory when they die? Or is it only baptised and confirmed Catholics? Thank you.

Answer
Catholic teaching does not say that all persons will pass through purgatory before attaining the perfect happiness of heaven.  Baptism and Confirmation of themselves do not enter into the equation of purgatory or no purgatory.
Catholic teaching is that all who die in God's grace but who are impefectly purified, are assured of heaven but after death will undergo a purification in order to attain the holiness needed to enter the joy of heaven.
For further information, you might consult the The Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1030-32.  The cateechism is available online at: usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm.
If you would like further clarification from me, please feel free to write again.
Best wishes, Joe.

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Edward Bode

Expertise

Catholic dogma, especially as related to Scripture. I have a doctorate in biblical theology [University of St. Thomas, Rome]. I do not answer questions concerning personal moral situations -- ones dealing with right and wrong [sin].

Experience

I have taught Catholic thought in grade and high schools, and in college and universities.

Organizations
Catholic Biblical Association

Publications
Catholic Biblical Quarterly, The Bible Today.

Education/Credentials
Graduate degrees in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, in scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute, and a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas; all in Rome

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