Has any Pope in recent memory said that one has to belong to the Roman Catholic Church in order to be saved?

Question

I heard that Pope Benedict XVI said something like this, but I do not know for sure. Has any Pope in recent times said this? I think it would be a rather contravserial statement as most theologians would would probably argue that salvation could be found through any mainline denomination - or even none at all! Believing and following Christ's teachings found in the Holy Bible would be enough for this. Or would they...?

Answer 1

The Pope recently issued a statement clarifying a teaching the RCC has held for centuries.The media,as it usually does, twisted the truth and said that the Pope said only Catholics could be saved.

What the Pope did say( and has always been taught by the RCC) is the Catholicism is the one true Church established by Christ and that it offers the fullest truth and way to salvation.As it was established by Christ himself in 33 Ad. The Pope also said that Protestant Churches have many elements of this truth as well and can be paths to salvation.

This also applies to other world religions , which contain elements of truth.The RCC teaches that God works thorugh all people , from different walks of lives to different relgions.


So, the Pope is saying that the Roman Catholic Church is the fullest true path to salvation but it is NOT the only way there. Why are people so surprised that the Pope is saying the Catholicism is the best way?I would be surprised if he didn't.

Answer 2

The Pope did not talk about this subjext. He did however approve a new document that states nothing new: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20070629_responsa-quaestiones_en.html

Most Christian denominations believe that each of them is the fullest version of the Church of Christ.

While the Catholic Church also believes that she is "the highest exemplar" of the mystery that is the Church of Christ, she does not claim that non-Catholic Churches are not truly Christian. The Catholic Church teaches:

Furthermore, many elements of sanctification and of truth are found outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church: the written Word of God; the life of grace; faith, hope, and charity, with the other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as visible elements.

Christ's Spirit uses these Churches and ecclesial communities as means of salvation, whose power derives from the fullness of grace and truth that Christ has entrusted to the Catholic Church.

All these blessings come from Christ and lead to him.

For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, section 819: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt1sect2chpt3art9p3.htm#819

With love in Christ.

Answer 3

So far, as I know, all religions feel their way is the only way. That is not unusual. It would be more unusual if they didn't. There is division on some matters with most Christian churches. Especially between those who have had the Pentecostal experience and those who have not.We also have a lot in common. The death of Jesus on the cross and the necessity to accept that sacrifice to be saved.

I am Pentecostal. When I was filled with the Holy Spirit, I spoke in tongues,,,just as in the early Church. Most Christian denominations look on Pentecostals as either crazy or misguided....although if you read the Book of Acts, it is the way of the early Church. A lot of denominations believe it stopped happening in that way. we know better...but I would still call any one who believes in Jesus my sister.I just don't believe they know the full Gospel message because it isn't preached in their church... "How can they know without a preacher"......

Answer 4

They all beleived you must belong to the Roman Catholic Church. Not all of them have been vocal about this since the 1600's. Pope Leo X excumunicated Martin Luther. Martin Luther scoffed at this notion.

Answer 5

Pope Benedict XVI did say this recently. This has long been a teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. Its just one reason why I am not a Catholic. I believe there will be people from all non cultish churches , Catholic , Prostestant , and Anabaptist in the Kingdom of Heaven. Likewise they all will be represented in hell as well. It is a matter of the heart. Do you truly love ,serve, worship, trust and obey the one and only God , Jesus Chrsit our Lord , over all other persons,places and things? With all your heart, Yes? With all your soul? Yes? With all your mind? Yes? With all your strength ? Yes? Praise God you are saved .... no matter what label you have!

Answer 6

It is really a misunderstanding...

The teaching is that those who genuinely try to live good lives but are not Catholic through not fault of their own, may through the mercy of God attain Heaven.

Those who with full knowledge reject the teachings of the one and only Church founded by Jesus Christ- despite having the opportunity to learn the truth....well.....we leave them to God's mercy, too....but the results aren't as promising!

Answer 7

the pope only said that roman catholicism is the best path to salvation because it is what he learned. every religion in the world is the besty path to salvation because all of them has the same idea on how a soul can be saved from damnation. i am a roman catholic and i beleive that my religion is my best path to salvation. if you are a muslim, or a buddhist, you will also think that your religion is the best path or way for you to be saved.

Answer 8

no, the Pope didn't say that to that effect. He said the Catholic Church has the fullness of truth and that's it. funny how Protestants have a way to twist things around!

Answer 9

NO, there are other means for salvation called for, othter than membership in the Universal church, otherwise all those

Answer 10

the last time I checked the Pope didn't say that you must be Catholic in order to be saved. He's wise enough for that kind of crap. only the Bible-fundies think that way. their narrow-mindedness is what's ruling their very hateful views.