We've talked about infants and adults, but what about children say 6-13 who die, never heard the words Catholic, sin or baptism, who have committed only venial sins?
If they go to Limbo, do they go to purgatory first?

Fascinating thread, one I have pondered on for many years.

I find it incredible that the Catholic Church has never clarified these things by way of dogma, leaving generation after generation not knowing the fate of the unborn if martyred,  miscarried or aborted. The opinions of some saints and churchmen are terrifying, while others are hopeful. Do we Catholics, having been taught Christ is infinitely merciful, not transfer that mercy on to the likes of the unborn, and perhaps others who through no fault of their own were never baptised. We are taught to love our neighbour, so is this love going too far, if you know what I mean.

Another problem I have wondered about is what awareness has such a dead unborn got in its afterlife? Does God give them an intellect they would havbe developed if they lived, or does He leave them as they died?

I recall at a pro-life meeting many years ago, with priests attending, asking why the Church does not teach openly that abortion prevents the soul from participating in the Beatific Vision. Surely, I said, that may prevent Catholics at least from considering abortion as an option. I will never forget the reaction to my question, silence. The chairwoman then said a priest will talk to you after the meeting. No priest approach me. I came away knowing much pro-life is secular.
I have always considered abortion an almost unforgivable mortal sin, even voting for its introduction as the Irish did two weeks ago. How can one expect to get into heaven, having prevented millions of other souls from entering heaven?

Then there was Pope John Paul II when he suggested all such souls may go to heaven. Remember that. In other words abortion was one way to get millions of souls into heaven that might never have gone there had they lived. Why then, I asked, should any Catholic be against abortion?

Here we are, thread after thread, not knowing EXACTLY what happens. Has no pope in history, given the power to clarify and rule on such things, left us this legacy of wondering what happens in such circuмstances?


That said I take great comfort in the tradition of Limbo.