Does a follower of Jesus have to be Catholic in order to be granted salvation?  Patrick Madrid is here to give you clarity. 

Jane from Chicago expresses her belief that people from other churches and faiths who prioritize Jesus should not be excluded from salvation. Patrick Madrid responds by explaining the Catholic Church’s teaching on salvation.

He emphasizes that salvation is found in the Church which Jesus Christ founded and that Vatican II emphasized this point. He also mentions that Jesus warned that some who claim to follow Him may be shocked to find out they are not true followers. Patrick Madrid highlights that it is not for humans to decide who will be saved, as only God knows that.

Regarding those who genuinely seek God but may not know about the Catholic Church, Patrick Madrid explains that the Church believes in the possibility of salvation for them as well, through God’s mercy. He mentions the importance of repentance, baptism, entering the Church, and receiving the sacraments, emphasizing Jesus’ words about the Eucharist.

To support his argument, Patrick Madrid reads a section from Vatican II’s document “Lumen Gentium,” which reaffirms the Church’s teaching that it is necessary for salvation, as Christ is the one mediator and unique way to salvation. However, he acknowledges that God’s mercy is not fully understood, and we must continue to share the good news while praying for those who may not enter the Church for various reasons.

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