limbus infantum

Roman Catholicism

Also known as: limbus puerorum

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June 30, 2026

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In Roman Catholic theology, limbus infantum refers to a concept of a borderland between heaven and hell where unbaptized infants were believed to reside. These souls, though not condemned to punishment for actual sins, were thought to be deprived of the joy of heaven due to original sin not being removed by baptism. This concept, while discussed by theologians like Aquinas, was never formally defined as church dogma.12

The idea of limbo, meaning "border," developed in the Middle Ages but was omitted from the official catechism issued in 1992. While traditionally believed to be a place of lighter punishment in hell for unbaptized infants, contemporary Catholic thought has moved away from this restrictive view. The International Theological Commission has suggested that there is hope for the salvation of infants who die without baptism, entrusting them to God's mercy.12

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limbo
…into hell,” and (2) the limbus infantum, or limbus puerorum (“children’s limbo”), which is the abode of those who have died without actual sin but whose original sin has not been washed away by baptism. Traditionally, this “children’s limbo” included not only dead unbaptized infants but also the mentally impaired.
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…into hell,” and (2) the limbus infantum, or limbus puerorum (“children’s limbo”), which is the abode of those who have died without actual sin but whose original sin has not been washed away by baptism. Traditionally, this “children’s limbo” included not only dead unbaptized infants but also the mentally impaired.
Read More