[annalex]

try to imagine what it's like to hear that one could not be saved....unless one were a Catholic

The hope, -- hope being the first theological virtue -- is that one becomes Catholic on his deathbed, because Christ will convert him. The Church, incidentally, gave it a great deal of thought as it had to confront the pagan culture. It is not a new teaching.

[annalex]

Let me correct myself: charity, not hope is the first theological virtue. See CCC 1817 and on.

THE VIRTUES