[Mrs. Don-o]

I wouldn't say he was in hell. It has never been revealed that anyone, specifically by name, was in hell. Not even Hitler. This is why the Church canonizes, but does not demonize.

As for Chavez, I think we should all hope --- all of us --- that he repented of His sins and died in the abundant mercy of God.

Oremus.

[metmom]

How is it really any different saying someone is in heaven for sure as opposed to being in hell for sure?

Both are making a determination of someone’s eternal destiny, without anyway of knowing the facts of the matter.

Except that it sounds nicer to say people are in heaven than that people are in hell, and nobody wants to be the bad guy, so they make the determination that keeps everyone happy.