I can see why it would be offensive and think it was a pretty stupid thing for them to say. The idea of a hell-bound Pope is not historically that unrealistic though. However, there is more evidence that this one truly trusted Christ than some of the more "politically appointed" ones of the past. Again, quite a stupid statement, and just a bit arrogant.
As a side note, Carson-Newman is a more liberal Baptist School. I would have preferred to hear from my more biblically minded Baptist brethren as to the reason's for the Pope's salvation than from someone who is an inclusivist or worse.
Excuse Me? Carson-Newman is my Alma Mater and first off it's not a Baptist school, it's a Liberal Arts college affiliated with the Tennessee baptist Convention. And second, Carson-Newman is very much a conservative school in it's teachings of Christ and religion. I'm not sure what you mean by ....someone who is an inclusivist or worse...All I can say is You judge that which you do not know.