8.176. Francis said “No one is condemned forever.” Isn’t that a message of hope in God’s mercy?
In Amoris Laetitia §297, Francis (Jorge Bergoglio) wrote:
“No one can be condemned forever, because that is not the logic of the Gospel!”
At first glance, this may sound like a hopeful affirmation of God’s mercy. But in reality, this statement is a direct contradiction of the Gospel itself, of the solemn teaching of the Catholic Church, and of the very words of Our Lord Jesus Christ. It promotes the heresy of universalism—the false belief that everyone will ultimately be saved, regardless of repentance or belief.
Catholic doctrine, based on Sacred Scripture and defined dogma, is crystal clear:
“It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment.”
“Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire.”
“The smoke of their torment shall ascend up forever and ever.”
The Council of Trent, the Fourth Lateran Council, and the Catechism of the Council of Trent all teach that souls who die in mortal sin are condemned eternally. God's mercy is infinite—but it is not unjust, nor does it override free will. The Gospel is not a sentimental message of universal acceptance. It is a call to repentance, conversion, and obedience to God's law.
Francis’ statement reflects the Vatican II religion, which denies Hell in practice, preaches “inclusion” over judgment, and offers comfort without conversion. But this is not mercy—it is spiritual deception.
| Category | Traditional Catholic Teaching | Francis / Amoris Laetitia View | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eternal Damnation | Real, irrevocable for those who die in mortal sin | “No one can be condemned forever” | Flatly contradicts Scripture and defined dogma |
| Divine Justice | Perfectly balanced with mercy; sins must be punished | Implied universal forgiveness without condition | Denies God’s justice and holiness |
| Judgment | Particular at death, general at the end of time | Softened or obscured in favor of accompaniment | Destroys urgency of repentance and confession |
| Mercy | Offered to the repentant; not automatic | Implied to be unconditional and universal | Promotes presumption and spiritual laxity |
| Salvation | Requires faith, grace, sacraments, and perseverance | Assumed for all without explicit conversion | Rejects “Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus” |
| Fruits | Fear of God, repentance, sanctification | False assurance, indifference to sin, apostasy | “By their fruits you shall know them” (Matt. 7:16) |
Summary:
When Francis says “no one is condemned forever,” he is not proclaiming the Gospel—he is denying it. His words contradict Our Lord, the Church Fathers, the councils, the saints, and the entire deposit of faith. This is not a message of mercy, but of false security—encouraging sinners to remain unrepentant, and confirming souls in mortal danger.
The Catholic Church teaches the truth with both clarity and charity:
God wills that all be saved—but not all are.
The path is narrow. Judgment is real.
Hell is eternal.
Let us reject the soothing lies of the modernist antichurch and remain faithful to the saving truth of Christ.
“Strive to enter by the narrow gate: for many, I say to you, shall seek to enter and shall not be able.”