the stateafterdeath in which, per the teaching of the Roman Catholic church, the soul destined for heaven is purified. Per this religion, only the perfect can go to heaven, and some believers die who have still unpunished or unrepented minor sins on their conscience, so these go to purgatory to be purged (cleansed) of such sins by suffering and repentance. —Freedom Congress Glossary (approved 5-9-90)