Questions / Salvation, heaven and hell

Is purgatory a good thing?

Church teaching

Answered on video by Catholic Answers

Video: Is Purgatory a Good Experience?, Catholic Answers Live, published Dec 9, 2016. Checked 10 October 2026. Loads from YouTube (privacy-enhanced mode) only when you press play. Watch on YouTube

In short: Honestly? Yes. Everyone in purgatory is already saved; it’s the last cleanup before you see God face to face. CCC 1030

The answer, in writing

Church teaching

All who are being purified after death are already assured of their eternal salvation. CCC 1030

Our words

It’s the last bit of healing before you see God. Everyone there is going home.

Watch another on this

Play video: What is Purgatory?, Ascension Presents, from Ascension Presents, 6 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

What is purgatory?

Play video: How Much Time Does an Indulgence Take Off Purgatory?, Catholic Answers, from Catholic Answers Live, 5 min. Loads from YouTube when pressed.

Does an indulgence take time off purgatory?

Next step: What is purgatory?

Honestly? The best answers come from people, not websites. Take the next step: find a parish near you

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 1030 (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.