8.177. Didn’t von Balthasar say we can hope Hell is empty? Isn’t that just a hopeful reflection on God’s mercy?
Yes—Hans Urs von Balthasar, a leading Vatican II-era theologian and a favorite of John Paul II and Benedict XVI, explicitly proposed that Catholics may “dare to hope that Hell is empty.” In his 1986 book, Dare We Hope That All Men Be Saved?, he argued that because of God's infinite mercy, we may and should hope that no one is damned, and that Hell might exist only in theory—never in fact.
“We may suppose—and must suppose—that it is at least possible that all men be saved.”
This idea was not condemned, but rather praised and popularized in the post-conciliar Church. John Paul II appointed von Balthasar as a cardinal shortly before his death. Benedict XVI called him “one of the greatest theologians of the 20th century.” Francis’s own teachings echo this sentiment, especially in his infamous statement from Amoris Laetitia:
“No one is condemned forever.”
But the Catholic Church, before Vatican II, unequivocally condemned this false mercy and universalist hope. The idea that Hell might be empty:
Contradicts the words of Christ, who taught repeatedly that “many” are lost and that Hell is eternal.
Undermines the urgency of conversion, repentance, and missionary work.
Dulls the faithful's fear of sin, especially mortal sin.
| Category | Traditional Catholic Teaching | Von Balthasar / Vatican II View | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Existence of Hell | Real, eternal, and populated by souls who die in mortal sin | Exists, but may be empty (we may hope no one is damned) | This denies or doubts a de fide truth taught by Christ |
| Words of Christ | “Many are called, but few are chosen” (Matt. 22:14) | Minimized or spiritualized into wishful optimism | Contradicts Christ's explicit warnings |
| Fear of the Lord | Beginning of wisdom and necessary for salvation | Replaced by presumption of mercy and universalism | Destroys the motive for repentance and penance |
| Salvation | Requires sanctifying grace, faith, sacraments, and perseverance | Assumed or hoped for without evidence of repentance | Encourages spiritual negligence and doctrinal confusion |
| Fruits | Fear of God, conversion, reverence for justice | Presumption, laxity, doctrinal erosion | “By their fruits you shall know them” (Matt. 7:16) |
Summary:
The idea that Hell might be empty is not a hopeful insight—it is a modernist delusion. Von Balthasar’s theory contradicts Our Lord, undermines the dogma of eternal punishment, and encourages souls to neglect the seriousness of mortal sin.
The true Gospel teaches both infinite mercy and perfect justice. Christ came to save sinners because Hell is real and eternal. The Church has always warned the faithful:
“Few are saved.”
“Out of one hundred thousand sinners who continue in sin until death, scarcely one will be saved.”
“The road to Hell is wide and many go that way.”
Let us reject this false hope of an empty Hell and instead embrace the true hope found in repentance, confession, and fidelity to the unchanging Catholic Faith.
“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”