…judges Francis’ ideas on martyrdom
-
Non-Members of the Catholic Church Cannot be Saved, Even if they Shed Their Blood for the Name of Christ
Believe strongly and without a doubt, that any heretic or schismatic, baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, absolutely cannot be saved if he is not a member of the Catholic Church, however generous his alms may be, and even if he sheds his blood for the name of Christ. For all those who do not remain in unity with the Church cannot attain salvation, despite being baptized, and despite their alms-giving, abundant though it may be, and even despite their suffering death for the name of Christ, if they persists in the error, whether heretical or schismatic, which leads to death. (Saint Fulgentius of Ruspe. Letter to Peter on the Faith, c.39, n.80 – ML 65, 704)
