Are there any human souls in hell?

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So are you saying you know better than Pope Benedict XVI what is orthodox and what isn’t?
 
I’m not interpreting anything. I’m sharing his plain words. And what’s more I didn’t say there is no hell. That’s a straw man on your part.
 
I’m saying that what is and isn’t ‘allowed’ to be thought and believed under Catholic theology isn’t as strictly defined as it was in, say, 1700. Cardinal Dulles’ article goes into depth on what has and hasn’t been said regarding hell.

As Catholics we believe in the existence of hell. Beyond that, it’s hard to say, as Dulles makes clear.
 
Souls as snowflakes falling into hell?

Somehow, that metaphor/analogy doesn’t seem to quite fit.
 
https://www.allentowndiocese.org/catholic-life/catholic-q/what-happens-us-after-we-die

What Happens to Us After We Die?​

Question : I would really like to know the truth about what happens to us after we die?

Answer : Our Church teaches that immediately after death, our soul separates from our earthly body and we stand before God for judgement. We then enter heaven, Purgatory or hell.

Heaven is the ultimate end and fulfillment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme, definitive happiness. Those who are free from all sin enter heaven immediately.

Purgatory is a place of purification, for those who die in a state of grace and friendship with God but who are not yet fully purified. Those in Purgatory are assured a place in heaven after their purification. We pray for those in Purgatory, that they may soon be with God in heaven.

Hell is for those who have willingly chosen to reject God and his love. If we persist in a state of serious sin, we damn ourselves to hell.

At the end of time, our Lord will come again to judge the living and the dead. All souls will be rejoined with their bodies, and those in Purgatory will be joined to the blessed in heaven. The Last Judgement will reveal that God’s justice triumphs over all the injustices committed by his creatures and that God’s love is stronger than death.

Adapted from United States Catholic Catechism for Adults.
 
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Since there is God’s mercy then there must be justice.
Hell is real and there are souls as there are souls in Heaven and Purgatory.
We don’t know “officialy” how many and who exactly is in Hell.
In the end I don’t find it necessary to know now who is in Hell.
 
Hey no need to apologize. I was cranky last night too. I’m sorry if it seemed I was lecturing.

Thanks for your insights and yes, hell is a terrifying prospect that we all need to face.

Two books I recommend to all Catholics are Preparation for Death by St. Alphonsus Liguori and The Four Last Things by Fr. Martin von Cochem. Not always easy reading but necessary reading I’d say.
 
Also wanted to share this important article on Balthasar that is not flattering.

Library : The Inflated Reputation of Hans Urs von Balthasar

The Inflated Reputation of Hans Urs von Balthasar In this article Regis Scanlon investigates the widely revered theological ideas of Hans Urs von Balthasar, the late Swiss Catholic theologian, especially concerning the notion of universal salvation.
www.catholicculture.org www.catholicculture.org
 
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