The preacher told the pope and top Vatican officials that they, like St. Paul, must avoid any temptation to think that the good works they have accomplished will guarantee their salvation.
Ummm, I think this is quite orthodox. The Church has always taught that it is Jesus who saves through His sacrifice, but that faith without works is dead (see St. James, for example). This doesn't sound like a big deal...
It is is grace that saves. What he is saying is that works alone won't save. It is pretty Orthodox. Too many Catholics think or believe that all they need to do is be good and then they will be saved. Faith is left out of the equation all together. God gives us the grace which allows for faith which produces works.
I agree, Geezer. This is not a big deal. Faith without works is a dead faith. So, faith comes first, and then a desire to please the Creator and our Lord Jesus Christ comes after and is manifested in good works.