In 5253 I outlined the concept of possibility of salvation of the unbaptized very briefly simply in order to point out that original sin and the position of the unbaptized are not catholic doctrines in a contradiction, as Harley seemed to imply.
Indeed any salvation is not only through the mercy of Christ, but also through communion with the Catholic Church, outside of which there is no salvation for anyone. Anyone who is saved, dies Orthodox Catholic.
You are correct, Harley, that once Christ is not merely not known but knowingly rejected, then the hope vanishes altogether.