CatholicCulture.org users are probably aware that the Catechism of the Catholic Church holds out the possibility of salvation for unbaptized children—those too young to express a desire for God. The noteworthy paragraph is no. 1261, but this should be read in the context of the entire (brief) section on The Necessity of Baptism.
Although the fate of unbaptized children is no more pressing now than it was 500, 1000 or 1500 years ago, every Christian teaching has its season, and Christians in our culture are particularly concerned to understand this one. Among many other reasons, surely, is the abortion crisis, which has forced us to wonder about how God's mercy applies to these rejected children.
John Paul II wondered too, and in late 2004 he asked his International Theological Commission to study the issue under the leadership of then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. Now, nearly two years into Ratzinger's own pontificate, the ITC has completed its study, which Pope Benedict approved for publication in January.
The conclusion is the same as that expressed in the Catechism, but the ITC report provides a much more thorough theological exploration of the problem. As you might expect, we have it online for you:
The Hope of Salvation for Infants Who Die Without Being Baptized
I hasten to add that a study by the International Theological Commission is not a magisterial act. Nonetheless, it is well worth reading.
Jeff Mirus
President
Trinity Communications
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