[cuban leaf]

Which misses the whole point of works regarding salvation.

And salvation is why Jesus was born.

[dangus]

Right... that’s my point: he wasn’t talking about salvation, merely cooperating with non-believers. I would, however, argue, that such cooperation may be a starting point for conversion.

[D-fendr]

It would be a mischaracterization to say that Pope Francis believes in salvation by works or salvation without knowing Christ.

Jesus died and was raised for them as well. His redemptive embrace was for all, not just a chosen few.The choice to accept its reach is our own. The Holy Father was not teaching anything new. In fact, this hope that all who do not yet know God are not only capable of doing good - but will progress toward that knowledge of God by doing good - is ancient. The Church wants all men and women to be saved.

This is the same as the prayer on Good Friday:

Let us pray also for those who do not believe in Christ,that, enlightened by the Holy Spirit,they, too, may enter on the way of salvation. Almighty ever-living God,grant to those who do not confess Christ that, by walking before you with a sincere heart, they may find the truth and that we ourselves, being constant in mutual love and striving to understand more fully the mystery of your life, may be made more perfect witnesses to your love in the world. Through Christ our Lord.