In today's world it is common to find people who believe that it really doesn't matter what religion you are, or what you believe, because all roads eventually lead one to God. This is based on the idea of relativism, which teaches that there is no absolute truth. Instead, each person, religion, or culture has their own truth, and that these truths are all equally valid and lead to salvation. In fact, one can even find this belief among some Catholics. But what does the Catholic Church actually teach concerning the salvation of those in other religions? Well, one can find the traditional Catholic teaching clearly spelled out in Blessed Pope Pius IX's encyclical titled, "On Promotion of False Doctrines." Blessed Pope Pius IX writes in this letter to the bishops of Italy:
"Here, too, our beloved sons and venerable brothers, it is again necessary to mention and censure a very grave error entrapping some Catholics who believe that it is possible to arrive at eternal salvation although living in error and alienated from the true faith and Catholic unity. Such belief is certainly opposed to Catholic teaching."
Here we see Blessed Pope Pius IX stating very clearly the Catholic dogma of "outside the Church there is no salvation." He says that it is a very grave error, and against Catholic teaching, to believe that one who is living in error and separated from the Catholic Church can be saved. Now, you may ask, "Wait a minute... is he saying that only Catholics are going to heaven?" No, he is not saying that at all, for he goes on and writes:
"There are, of course, those who are struggling with invincible ignorance about our most holy religion. Sincerely observing the natural law and its precepts inscribed by God on all hearts and ready to obey God, they live honest lives and are able to attain eternal life by the efficacious virtue of divine light and grace."
