Last week Pope Francis made a statement that is contrary to Catholic teachings. The Pope said that the non believers and the non Catholics would in fact make it to heaven. On the Vatican Radio Pope Francis said in his homily:

The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone! ‘Father, the atheists?’ Even the atheists. Everyone! And this Blood makes us children of God of the first class!

This contradicts the Catholic teaching that “outside the church there is no salvation.” Now it seems the Vatican’s spokesperson is taking back the remarks. An excerpt of Rev. Thomas Rosica corrective said:

Always keep in mind the audience and context of Pope Francis’ daily homilies.  He is first and foremost a seasoned pastor and preacher who has much experience in reaching people.  His words are not spoken in the context of a theological faculty or academy nor in interreligious dialogue or debate.  He speaks in the context of the Mass, offering reflections on the Word of God.  He is speaking to other Catholics and religious leaders.  His knowledge, rooted in deep, Catholic theology and tradition are able to be expressed in a language that everyone can understand and appropriate.  This is not a gift given to every pastor and theologian!  Is it any wonder why so many people are drawn to Pope Francis’ words?  Is it any wonder why so many … read daily homilies of a Pope, discuss them and raise questions about what they read?

Pope Francis has no intention of provoking a theological debate on the nature of salvation through his homily or scriptural reflection when he stated that “God has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone!

[Source: Salon]