If your room mate talked to you about being born again, I have no doubt he told you how and why...
You have it so backwards I can't believe it...It is the Catholic religion that says you must be Catholic to find salvation...It is the Protestants and the bible that says you first must be saved (born again)...
But did his room mate tell him about the magic Sun god cookie?
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The Catholic religion absolutely does not state you must be Catholic to achieve salvation. This was codified at Vatican II.