I'm not catholic and I can see why catholics would be offended because I find it offensive myself.
I'm Baptist and I'm offended by this.......
I can see why it would be offensive and think it was a pretty stupid thing for them to say. The idea of a hell-bound Pope is not historically that unrealistic though. However, there is more evidence that this one truly trusted Christ than some of the more "politically appointed" ones of the past. Again, quite a stupid statement, and just a bit arrogant.
As a side note, Carson-Newman is a more liberal Baptist School. I would have preferred to hear from my more biblically minded Baptist brethren as to the reason's for the Pope's salvation than from someone who is an inclusivist or worse.