7 Little-Known Facts About Roman Catholicism

Catholics have long affirmed that there is no salvation outside the Church. Traditionally this has been interpreted as sure damnation for those who are not in communion with the Roman Catholic Church, though since Vatican II, this has been reinterpreted. Roman Catholics generally believe that most souls are not cleansed enough of sin in this lifetime to be ready for heaven. Instead, most will enter an interim state called purgatory, a place of purgation, where humans are cleansed of sin and its ill effects. Roman Catholic doctrine holds that individuals can reduce their penance (and/or time spent in purgatory) through indulgences. Indulgences are granted for the performance of certain actions such as the repetition of prayers, pilgrimages, and/or good works.