Salvation in the Roman Magisterium : from the Second Vatican Council to Pope Francis

Abstract

This study explores what the Church teaches about Salvation and its doctrinal maturation, with particular interest to the salvation of the infidels and the salvific value of non-Christian religions. The first chapter identifies the leading theological ideas that led the church in the twentieth century to a revised understanding of salvation. The second chapter focuses on the doctrine of the Second Vatican Council in (a) the correct approach towards other Christian and non-Christian religions, (b) the universality of salvation and (c) the mediation of Christ. The last chapter examines some selections of magisterial statements pronounced on the matter from Paul VI to Francis. As conclusion, this study justifies the renewal of the doctrine and the Church’s commitment to a definitive opening that commits her to affirm fundamental truths on salvation.