Can Atheists Go to Heaven?

by Paolo Reyes

Can atheists go to heaven? On May 21, 2013, Pope Francis created a global firestorm of religious debate as a result of a homily that talked about atheists. In that controversial homily, the pope essentially emphasized that what matters more is not so much our religious affiliation, but that “we do good”:

The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone! “Father, even the atheists?”Even the atheists. Everyone!...we all have a duty to do good. And this commandment for everyone to do good, I think, is a beautiful path to peace. If we, each doing our own part, if we do good to others, if we meet there, doing good, and we go slowly, gently, little by little, we will make that culture of encounter: we need that so much. We must meet one another doing good. “But I don’t believe, Father, I am an atheist!’ But do good: we will meet one another there.”

After that homily, headlines in major newspapers and mainstream press such as the New York Times screamed with the “big news” that according to the pope, even atheists can now go to heaven: all of us, including atheists, will “meet one another there [heaven]” for as long as we do good. Here are some examples of the various headlines that made it in major publications: “Heaven for atheists? Pope sparks debate”; “Is Pope Francis a heretic? No but he does raise questions”; “Pope Francis: ‘Even the atheists’ can go to heaven’.”

In light of the fierce debate that ensued, Reverend Thomas Rosica, a Vatican spokesperson, issued a “clarification” of the pope’s statement, saying that the pope was misunderstood, saying that “they cannot be saved who, knowing the Church was founded by Christ and necessary for salvation, would refuse to enter her or remain in her.” This has led many commentators, in response, to point out that this “correction” made by the Vatican spokesperson went against the essence of what the pope said. Richard Dawkins, well-known scientist and an outspoken atheist, tweeted in response: “Atheists go to heaven? Nope. Sorry world, infallible pope got it wrong. Vatican steps in with alacrity.”

This is not the first time that Pope Francis has talked in positive terms regarding atheists. In his first ecumenical meeting with non-Catholic religious leaders just a few days after his election, Pope Francis said that atheists and believers can be "precious allies" in their efforts "to defend the dignity of man, in the building of a peaceful coexistence between peoples and in the careful protection of creation."