Yes, it certainly is weird. That is one of the main reasons why Mel Gibson is a traditional Catholic who attends the Latin Mass and doesn't listen to the teachings of Vatican II or Pope John Paul II -- because they are in contradiction to the constant teaching of the Church for 2000 years. Calling a Catholic doctrine "medieval" is a compliment, not a criticism, since the truth never changes.
Actually, they're not. Invincible ignorance has been a constant teaching of the Church, as has Baptism of desire.
God has bound salvation to Baptism, but He Himself is not bound by His sacraments.
What about the "truth" that the Pope is infallible in matters of doctrine? That's been a mainstay of Roman Catholic doctrine for centuries, so either that "truth" has changed, or the "truth" about salvation only being available through the Roman Catholic Church has changed, or Pope John Paul II is a false Pope. Pick one.