VATICAN CITY, NOV. 30, 2005, Whoever seeks peace and the good of the community with a pure conscience, and keeps alive the desire for the transcendent, will be saved even if he lacks biblical faith, says Pope Benedict XVI.

The pope made this affirmation today at the general audience, commenting on a meditation written by St. Augustine (354-430)

...Augustine "knows also among the inhabitants of Babylon there are people who are committed to peace and the good of the community, despite the fact that they do not share the biblical faith, that they do not know the hope of the Eternal City to which we aspire," Benedict XVI stated.

They have a spark of desire for the unknown, for the greatest, for the transcendent, for a genuine redemption," explained the pope, quoting Augustine.