Purgatory, << PUR guh `tawr` ee, >> is a state, according to Roman Catholic tradition, in which people who have died atone for their sins before being admitted to the vision of God in heaven. In purgatory, those who have been in the friendship of God make full amends for their failings by suffering. People can reduce their future suffering by engaging in various religious or pious acts before death. Those who are already in purgatory can be helped by the prayers of the living.
