I have to wonder where the Pope is getting his information. I know he’s Christ’s Vicar on Earth, but it’s not difficult to read The Bible or any of the Catholic Church’s doctrines, or their long and distinguished history. So either the Pope is confused, or he is receiving communication from The Almighty that contradicts Our Heavenly Father’s previous communication.

While Christian doctrine dictates that faith in Christ and acceptance of his sacrifice to make peace between God and man is a requirement for salvation from God’s judgment, the Pope is now claiming that the Pearly Gates are open to pretty much anyone, including people who don’t believe there are Pearly Gates, or a God for that matter.

The Pope wrote: “The question for those who do not believe in God is to follow their own conscience. Sin, even for a non-believer, is when one goes against one’s conscience. To listen and to follow your conscience means that you understand the difference between good and evil.” He said that the “mercy of God has no limits” and encompassed even non-believers…

It’s certainly possible that The Creator has had a change of heart, softening over the millennia and evolving as it were, and communicating this kinder and gentler stance to one lone human being out of the 7 billion Earthly inhabitants. But if this is the case, and atheists who follow their conscience and understand good from evil will find God’s mercy, which is limitless, then what do we need a Pope for? I’d argue that the Pope has just called for an unofficial end to Catholicism. I, for one, fully support the Pope in this endeavor and wish him God Speed.

Pope Francis Reaches out to Atheists and Agnostics