What happens at the moment of death? Accordint to the Church, judgment takes place when the soul separates from the body. This encourages us to learn to love and forgive right now.
Since purgatory is a preparatory stage to paradise, it would seem that we spend a certain amount of time there. But the most pressing question is: how much?
Purgatory is not hell. It is the antechamber to paradise, and is both justice and mercy.
Purgatory belongs to the Catholic faith. However, aspects of it can be found in other cultures and religions, which affirm that purification is necessary after death.
Atonement and reparation in purgatory are liberating and healing. They take place over time, which is a mark of God's tenderness and patience.