First of all I have to saywe arent with all respect to look to someone called the pope, there is no pope! Peter was not a pope nor the first pope or what ever is tried to contrive by it, ther is no such a thing as a pope in the bible whatsoever, but Im not here to condem those who might be honest believers in catholocism, but I would urge all catholics to look a little closer at scripture, it would be to there benefit, you are not going to be saved because you cross yourself or go to church on easter and then go and live how you want! it doesnt work like that but there are protestants who live the same way and they are kidding themselves, but for the pope I believe he is right on here when he speaks of Hell fire and brimstone because its no joke! The world is kidding themselves and many supposed believers! Peace!
I appreciate the gentleness of your intention. But I hope you didn't really think that the Catholic Church teaches that crossing oneself or going to church on Easter is what saves. A lot of well-meaning Protestants really have no clue what the Church teaches.
Suppose I were to post to you and say,"You know, it would be to your benefit to read the Bible. You will not be saved because you handle snakes." Wouldn't you think I was a little silly?
We think that we are justified through faith in Jesus Christ and in His atoning sacrifice on the cross, not by crossing ourselves and going to Mass on Easter. But I will continue to cross myself and I am so excited about going to Mass this Easter when a friend will join the Church that I feel like a kid waiting for his birthday.
God bless you for your kind intention. Maybe some day you will learn a little of what we believe. WHo knows, you might even find you believe it too!