You don't need to believe in God to go to heaven - Pope Francis writes to Eugenio Scalfari

     

Head Roman Catholic cleric, Pope Francis in a long open to the founder of La Repubblica newspaper, Eugenio Scalfari stated that non-believers would be forgived by God if they live right.

Responding to a series of questions published in Mr.Scalfari's paper, the Pontiff said,“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 Pope's comment is to further shake off the Catholic Church's fusty image.

Mickens said,  “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 Goodwill response to the Pontiff's letter, the La Repubblica boss who happens not to be a Roman Catholic said the Pope's response "were further evidence of his ability and desire to overcome barriers in dialogue with all”.

Eugenio Scalfari 

In July, the Pontiff  signalled a more progressive attitude on sexuality. In his words,If someone is gay and is looking for the Lord, who am I to judge him?”