The definition of hell depends a great deal on the
religious perspective from which it is considered. In some religions, hell is simply the
abode of the dead, a dark, shadowy place where the souls of the dead reside. In early
Hebrew writing, it was called Sheol; in Greek Mythology, it is
Hades.
In Christian, Islamic and Buddhist theory, hell is a
place of eternal torment and punishment. In Christian theology, it is typically
described as a place of fiery torment. The Bible speaks of an associated "lake of fire."
Buddhists believe in a hell divided into different cells, with some hot, some cold. The
idea of demons torturing the damned is a concept borne out in many works of literature
which indicate that the punishment should fit the crime. The "nine circles" which you
describe is from Dante's Inferno, rather than the Pope, in which
punishment was specific for each individual. However, Dante's work was not divinely
inspired; in many respects it was satirical.
In truth,
there is no way for anyone to offer an accurate description of hell. It is best
understood as a place of punishment and separation from God, which is best
avoided.
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