Purgatory is a concept in some religious traditions, particularly in Catholicism, referring to a state of purification for souls who have died in a state of grace but still need to be cleansed of their sins before entering Heaven. It is not a permanent place but rather a temporary condition where souls undergo spiritual growth and healing. In Purgatory, individuals experience a process that prepares them for the presence of God. The duration and nature of this purification are believed to vary based on the person's life choices and the prayers offered by the living on their behalf.