In comments likely to enhance his progressive reputation, Pope Francis has written a long, open letter to the founder of La Repubblica newspaper, Eugenio Scalfari, stating that non-believers would be forgiven by God if they followed their consciences.
Responding to a list of questions published in the paper by Mr Scalfari, who is not a Roman Catholic, Francis wrote:
“You ask me if the God of the Christians forgives those who don’t believe and who don’t seek the faith.
I start by saying – and this is the fundamental thing – that God’s mercy has no limits if you go to him with a sincere and contrite heart. The issue for those who do not believe in God is to obey their conscience.
“Sin, even for those who have no faith, exists when people disobey their conscience.”
Robert Mickens, the Vatican correspondent for the Catholic journal The Tablet, said the pontiff’s comments were further evidence of his attempts to shake off the Catholic Church’s fusty image, reinforced by his extremely conservative predecessor Benedict XVI. “Francis is a still a conservative,” said Mr Mickens. “But what this is all about is him seeking to have a more meaningful dialogue with the world.”
In a welcoming response to the letter, Mr Scalfari said the Pope’s comments were “further evidence of his ability and desire to overcome barriers in dialogue with all”.
In July, Francis signalled a more progressive attitude on segxwality, asking: “If someone is gay and is looking for the Lord, who am I to judge him?”
Common sense is indeed not common.
Posted: at 12-09-2013 03:54 PM (11 years ago) | Hero
chicco77 at 12-09-2013 05:51 PM (11 years ago) (f)
ok
Posted: at 12-09-2013 05:51 PM (11 years ago) | Addicted Hero
Endtime! The bible clearly states in John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me..! No one will enter into the kingdom of God if they don't believe in Jesus...its even pointless to hope...... :-(
Posted: at 12-09-2013 08:02 PM (11 years ago) | Newbie
WHY WILL THEY GO TO HEAVEN??? TO DO WHAT AS THEY DO NOT BELIEVE SUCH PLACE EXIST AND THEY DO NOT SEEK TO GO THERE. THIS IS LIES AND PROOF OF THE DEVIL'S HAND IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Posted: at 12-09-2013 09:18 PM (11 years ago) | Gistmaniac
firstborn77 at 12-09-2013 09:42 PM (11 years ago) (m)
Verily verily I say unto you EXCEPT a man be born again he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.... Believe in the LORD JESUS CHRIST and thou shall be saved. ...For there is no other name under heaven given amongst men whereby we must be saved....Salvation is by faith in the lord jesus Christ.So you see its not about what the pope says , its about what the bible says.
Posted: at 12-09-2013 09:42 PM (11 years ago) | Newbie