What is anima del purgatorio?

Anima del purgatorio is Italian for "soul of purgatory". It is a religious concept in Catholicism that refers to the spirits of the dead who are undergoing purification in the afterlife before being allowed to enter heaven. The belief holds that these souls can receive assistance from the living through prayers, sacrifices, and good deeds, which can help to speed up their purgatory process and ensure their salvation. The concept has inspired many artistic works, including paintings, sculptures, and literature, and is often depicted as a ghostly figure in white, symbolizing the soul's purity and need for cleansing. The Catholic Church celebrates All Souls' Day on November 2, when prayers and masses are offered for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed.