Dear Catholic Exchange:
Hello, what does the Catholic Church teach about infants who die before being baptized? Do you believe them damned to hell? I read your page Infants and Original Sin, and I couldn’t get a suitable answer.
Thank you.
Michael Walsh
Dear Mr. Walsh,
The Church does not offer a definitive teaching on the matter. However, the Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes those teachings of Christ Himself — God’s mercy, God’s desire for the salvation of all persons, Jesus’ love for children — which provide us with hope regarding the fate of these children (cf. Catechism, no. 1261). For a discussion of this matter, please refer to our Faith Fact on Limbo.
United in the Faith,
Kathleen Rohan
Information Specialist
Catholics United for the Faith
827 North Fourth Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)
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