Living up to his progressive reputation, Pope Francis has said non-believers will be forgiven by God if they followed their consciences.
"You ask me if the God of the Christians forgives those who don't believe and who don't seek faith. I start by saying this - and this is the fundamental thing - that God's mercy has no limits if you go to him with a sincere and contrite heart," he said.
"The issue for those who do not believe in God is to obey their conscience."
Pope Francis made the comment in a long, open letter to the founder of La Republica newspaper Eugenio Scalferi, London-based daily The Independent reported.
Scalferi reportedly welcomed the comments and said they were "further evidence of his ability and desire to overcome barriers in dialogue with all."
In July, the Pope called for a more progressive attitude on sexuality, asking: "If someone is gay and is looking for the Lord, who am I to judge him?"
