Ya gotta wonder at the Popes intentions because his statement is going to drive Atheists up the wall! They don’t want to believe there is any God and here is the Pope telling them no sweat you live right and God will forgive you you your non belief. What does this do to all of the Atheists that say they live a moral life because it’s the right thing to do, not because of God? The Pope has just threatened them with Heaven.
Actually, his statement reinforces the Atheist's Wish: Compulsory Heaven For All (if there is one).......
Go read what the Pope actually said. He said that God will forgive those who COME TO HIM. In other words, an atheist still needs to become a christian before death. If he does, then yes, God will forgive him and will admit him to heaven. If he stays an atheist, then no: “There is no way to the father except through me”.