Rejoice, secularists! Not only do you get to continue your beliefs in a more separate church and state, but you can be a downright blasphemous atheist, and you’ll still be welcomed into the pearly gates of heaven.
While some atheists may cry foul at Pope Francis saying they’re not only welcome in a heaven they don’t believe exists, but they’ll be there after their soul ascends to heaven or takes a one way trip straight down to hell, it’s still a nice thought.
In an open letter to open letter to the La Repubblica newspaper, Pope Francis explained what he meant in great detail:
“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.”
Whether the Pope is making a somewhat sideways remark at non-believers is up for interpretation, but there’s no doubt that Pope Francis is living up to his “cool Pope” reputation more and more.
(ViaThe Independent)