Page "Afterlife" Paragraph 12

Despite popular opinion, Limbo, which was elaborated upon by theologians beginning in the Middle Ages, never entered into the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, yet, at times, the church incorporated the theory in its ordinary belief.

Limbo is a theory that unbaptized but innocent souls, such as those of infants, virtuous individuals who lived before Jesus Christ was born on earth, or those that die before baptism must wait before going to heaven.

Therefore, neither merit the beatific vision, nor yet are subjected to any punishment, because they are not guilty of any personal sin although they have not received baptism, so still bear original sin.

On Friday, April 20, 2007 Pope Benedict XVI, abolished the whole idea saying he " showed doubt about the concept of limbo ".

He cited his concerns about it when he was a cardinal.

In other Christian denominations it has been described as an intermediate place or state of confinement in oblivion and neglect.