Purgatory

To achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. It is often described as a "cleansing fire" that burns away the lasting defects of sin.

Souls in Purgatory are reportedly consoled by their guardian angels and can be helped by the prayers and sacrifices of those still living. 2. Literary Guide (Dante’s Purgatorio ) Purgatory

While the word "Purgatory" is not in the Bible, Catholics point to passages like 1 Corinthians 3:15 , which mentions being saved "only as through fire". To achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven

What Is Purgatory? | Catholic Answers Guide to the Afterlife | Catholic Answers Guide to the Afterlife Theological

Theological tradition describes two forms of suffering: the pain of loss (the delay of seeing God) and the pain of sense (corporeal fire). Some mystics suggest 15 minutes of this suffering can feel like a year on Earth.

In The Divine Comedy , Dante Alighieri visualizes Purgatory as a with nine distinct levels, located at the antipodes of Jerusalem.

Purgatory is defined as a for those who die in God’s grace but still harbor "imperfect purification". It is not a "second chance" at salvation, but a "finishing school" for heaven.