Posted on 03/07/2014 6:21:52 AM PST by marshmallow
In his first interview since his abdication, Pope Emeritus Benedict has revealed how he became convinced that his Polish predecessor John Paul II was a saint.
The former pope's reflections come less than two months before the canonisation of the late Polish pontiff, marking the final stage in his path to sainthood.
The reality that John Paul II was a saint became increasingly clear to me in the years that I worked with him, the retired pontiff stated in a written interview published in Italian paper Corriere della Sella.
John Paul II did not ask for applause, and he never looked troubled when he was taking decisions.
He acted in accordance with his faith and his beliefs, and he was also willing to endure blows against him, he added.
I could not and should not have imitated him, but I did try and continue his legacy and endeavours as best as I could.
Pope John Paul II will be canonised in the Vatican on 27 April.
(Excerpt) Read more at thenews.pl ...
E.g., one must be born again of water and the Holy Spirit (Baptism)in order to be saved; but God can save anyone He wants to save, e.g. the unbaptized criminal crucified next to Him.
If we are aware that the Catholic Church was founded by Christ and contains the fullness of the means of salvation, then yes, it is morally obligatory for us to enter this blessed Church and to remain faithfully in her, participating with gratitude in the Sacraments instituted by Christ to give grace.
Yet one who, through no fault of his own, never entered the visible Church, can still be saved, because for God all things are possible.
Thanks and yes you’re right. From a theological perspective if we are aware of the need of Baptism and are able to get Baptized we are obligated to do so. I certainly don’t disagree with that.
Of course, aborted/miscarried babies aren’t able to get baptized hence my post.
Why is abortion evil?
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