What is expected to be atoned for during purgatory in Catholic belief?

In Catholic belief, purgatory is understood as a stage of purification for those who die in a state of grace but still carry venial sins or have not fully atoned for their sins. During purgatory, the souls are cleansed and prepared for heaven, where they can fully experience the presence of God.

Venial sins, which are less severe than mortal sins, do not break one’s relationship with God but can impede full communion. Therefore, the process of atonement during purgatory focuses on these venial sins, as well as any temporal punishment due to forgiven sins. This belief underlines the importance of purification even after death, suggesting that all souls ultimately have the opportunity for salvation and need to reconcile any remaining faults before entering into eternal life.

The other options refer to different aspects of sin and salvation within Catholic doctrine. Original sin is addressed through baptism, and mortal sins require confession and repentance to restore one’s state of grace, typically before death rather than during purgatory. Thus, venial sins are specifically what is atoned for in purgatory, making this the correct understanding of what is expected during that time.