The Progressively progressive Pope Francis wrote an open editorial letter in response to a publisher’s question.

“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, who issues the Vatican’s position for the Catholic journal The Tablet, said “Francis is a still a conservative. But what this is all about is him seeking to have a more meaningful dialogue with the world.”

We assume what the Pope means is that anyone who follows their conscience will arrive at the Truth – as outlined in John 8:31-32. (To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”) Or, perhaps he thinks the gate and the path are much wider….