What is purgatory in Catholic doctrine?

In Catholic doctrine, purgatory is understood as a temporary state for souls who have died in a state of grace but still need purification before entering heaven. This belief holds that while these souls are saved, they still have some degree of imperfection or attachment to sin that must be cleansed. The purification process in purgatory is necessary to ensure that the soul is fully prepared to experience the presence of God in heaven.

This concept emphasizes God's mercy and justice, providing a means for souls to reconcile and complete their spiritual journey. The idea of purgatory underscores the Catholic teaching that salvation is an ongoing process, incorporating not only faith but also the purification of the spirit.

Other options do not align with this understanding: the first option describes a finality that contradicts the belief in God's mercy; the third option dismisses the established religious significance of purgatory within Catholic doctrine; and the fourth option misrepresents the Protestant Reformation, which did challenge many Catholic teachings but did not necessarily categorize purgatory as a doctrine without any basis.