papal indulgences

Papal indulgences are remissions of punishment for sins, granted by the Catholic Church under the pope's authority.

In medieval practice, indulgences could reduce time in purgatory for oneself or deceased relatives.

The sale of indulgences—essentially buying forgiveness—became a notorious abuse that helped spark the Protestant Reformation.

The Church still grants indulgences, though not for money: She earned a plenary indulgence by making a pilgrimage to Rome.