[huckfillary]

Based on the actions of the Risen Christ himself, I don’t see how the Church can see it otherwise. Recalling the Apostle Thomas who refused to believe that Christ had risen until he could “put his fingers in His side” (i.e. I’ll believe it when I see it). Christ did not condemn Thomas, He didn’t tell Thomas he was going to burn in hell. He chastised him and said, “Blessed are they who believe and do not see.” The Pope made the right call.

[GeronL]

and?

Atheists need Jesus Christ. Did the Pope just deny Christ?

[armydoc]

Based on the actions of the Risen Christ himself, I don’t see how the Church can see it otherwise. Recalling the Apostle Thomas who refused to believe that Christ had risen until he could “put his fingers in His side” (i.e. I’ll believe it when I see it). Christ did not condemn Thomas, He didn’t tell Thomas he was going to burn in hell. He chastised him and said, “Blessed are they who believe and do not see.” The Pope made the right call.

Thomas believed. Yes, he doubted and required proof, but he believed. Now, if he had said "nice try, I'm not buying it. My conscience tells me it's a scam", I'm sure Jesus would have said "as long as you're following your conscience, you have My blessing", right?