Pope to announce limbo does not exist

To Catholics of generations past, baptism wasn't something to be deferred until a convenient time, because the souls of infants who died without it were thought to be consigned to something other than heaven. Limbo.

Not quite heaven, not nearly hell, it was regarded as a place of eternal happiness that fell just short of paradise, reserved for unbaptized children and righteous souls who lived before Christ.

It was a widespread and influential teaching for centuries. But Pope Benedict XVI is expected today to reject the concept, endorsing the conclusions of a theological commission that said unbaptized children who die before reaching the age of reason go to heaven.

St. Augustine, an influential church father, theorized the existence of limbo in the fifth century, when entry to heaven was thought to be restricted to baptized Christians. Nobody wanted to believe God would send innocent souls to hell, so the saint theorized the existence of limbo. ....The Catholic understanding of salvation has broadened since Augustine's day, but many still regard water baptism as essential to salvation.

Some confuse limbo with purgatory, where souls that have been saved but still must atone for their sins are cleansed before entering heaven. Unlike purgatory, which Catholics say is rooted in Scripture, limbo has no scriptural basis, Chapp said. ....

http://www.chicagotribune.com/search/trb/sfl-alimbo06oct06,0,2217908.story

but now what will we do at steel drum parties???