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Condition of Existence: The modern Catholic Church emphasizes that purgatory is a “condition of existence” rather than a physical place, where the soul undergoes an inwardly necessary transformation to achieve the holiness required for Heaven.
Purpose: The purification rids the soul of “unhealthy attachment to creatures,” venial sins, and the remaining temporal punishment due to forgiven sins. Revelation 21:27 states that “nothing unclean will enter [Heaven]”.
Experience: The souls are assured of their eternal salvation, which brings great joy. However, the process also involves suffering, often described metaphorically as a “cleansing fire,” arising from an intense longing to be with God, whom they have glimpsed but cannot yet reach due to remaining imperfections.
Assistance from the Living: The faithful on Earth can help the souls in purgatory through prayers, especially the Eucharistic sacrifice (Mass), almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance. The prayers of the living can shorten the time of purification.
Intercession for the Living: While there are differing theological opinions on the matter, it is piously believed by many Catholics that the souls in purgatory, being close to God, can and do pray for the living out of gratitude