Questions / Salvation, heaven and hell

Does God send people to hell?

Church teaching

Answered on video by Ascension Presents

Video: If God Loves Everyone, Why Doesn't Everyone Go to Heaven?, Ascension Presents, published Jan 4, 2023. Checked 10 October 2026. Loads from YouTube (privacy-enhanced mode) only when you press play. Watch on YouTube

In short: No. God predestines no one to hell. It takes turning away from Him and staying turned away to the end. CCC 1037

The answer, in writing

Church teaching

God predestines no one to hell; it takes a willful turning away from God (a mortal sin) and persisting in it to the end. CCC 1037

The Church implores the mercy of God, who does not want “any to perish.” CCC 1037

Our words

God doesn’t throw anyone away. He respects a “no” we insist on. That’s why He keeps asking.

Watch another on this

Play video: Bishop Barron on Hell, Bishop Robert Barron, from Bishop Robert Barron, 7 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

Is hell real?

Play video: How could we be happy in Heaven knowing souls are in Hell?, Catholic Answers, from Catholic Answers Live, 5 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

How could we be happy in heaven if people are in hell?

Play video: Trent Horn - Why is the punishment of Hell eternal?, Catholic Answers, from Catholic Answers Live, 6 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

Why is hell forever?

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Related questions

Do Catholics believe we are saved by grace? Catholic Answers · 2 minAren’t we saved by faith alone? Bishop Robert Barron · 14 minIs there salvation outside the Church? Fr. Mike Schmitz · 8 minHow are we saved? Ascension Presents · 12 min

Sources on this page

How we know · 1 Catechism paragraph

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1037 (official text on vatican.va).

Stone & Incense restates Church teaching in plain words and cites every teaching claim. Our own wording is not an official Church text. Found a mistake? Report an errorCorrections.