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[[Purgatory]], when defined by that term, is a concept unique to [[Roman Catholicism]]. It has a central role in the structure of salvation and the after-life, as it posits that men undergo a purification of some kind after death but before entrance into Heaven. As with most things related to Christian doctrine, it is particularly defined, yet because of the imperfect nature of human understanding, it is often misunderstood, whether by critics who aim to refute aspects of the theology they mistakenly attribute to it, or proponents who harm the theology by invoking principles unrelated to its defense. The aim of this article, therefore, is to provide a clear Roman Catholic perspective on purgatory founded upon the doctrine of the Church. The intent is not to enter into the particular ''nature'' of purgatory, but simply to establish its role within the economy of salvation.

Prayer for the dead is made effective because we are guaranteed by divine revelation (e.g. the Bible) that prayer has a purpose. It is clear from these passages that men undergo some kind of purification after death but before entrance into Heaven. Whether this purification is a particular place, or simply a process, it is not clear. Nevertheless, some kind of "fire" cleanses souls before entrance into heaven, and it is a process that must be endured. The name "purgatory", therefore is aptly applied as it means "to make clean" or "purify". Purgatory does not have to be explicitly stated in Scripture.