Abstract
Throughout history, theological reflection on hell expanded considerably. Between the 19th and 20th centuries, Christian eschatology in general, and theology of hell in particular, underwent a major renewal. At the end of the 20th century John Paul II issued a document in which he examined the appropriate way to connect divine mercy and hell in the light of the very core of Christian revelation. Although it has been largely ignored, John Paul II’s document is relevant to any current presentation of Christian eschatology that aims to deepen the renewal of this discipline. A new synthesis of the theology of hell is presented at the end of the text.