“We are all fundamentally good ... the heart itself is good,” says Pope Francis

Originally posted by TheWayOfHoliness ↑

“We are all fundamentally good. Yes, there are some rogues and sinners, but the heart itself is good,” says Pope Francis.

But what does God’s word say?

“… None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3:10-18 ESV)

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9 ESV)

If man and his heart is fundamentally good, why do we need a saviour?
For what purpose did Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, die?
Who should we believe, the Pope, or God?

As it is written, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)

But there is good news...Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, was crucified and died for our sins, taking upon Himself the punishment we deserve. He was then buried and raised back to life on the third day, in accordance with the scriptures. He now sits at His Father’s right hand and is awaiting His Father’s instruction to return. This was all recorded in the scriptures contained in the Holy Bible, which is the word of God and is able to save our souls.

Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart in rebellion. Whoever conceals his sins will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy and forgiveness. If you repent and believe in the gospel, putting your faith in Jesus Christ, you will inherit salvation, which leads to everlasting life. With this salvation comes a necessary spiritual rebirth; God will give you a new heart and His Holy Spirit, which will give you wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, put His Laws on your heart and mind, guide you into all the truth, help you, and comfort you. By the blood of Jesus, sanctifying you and cleansing you of all unrighteousness—conforming you to His image.

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Fair enough, you made your point, but why don't you look at the whole context of what he's talking about, its a 60min interview, it's not a teaching or dogma, it's a just general conversation with a member of the public

Further more he's a pope expresses his opinion on this or that topic, which he and others have done for 2000 years, it's not church teaching or dogma

Anyone including a pope is entitled to his personal opinion, that's all it is.

Of course you knew that didn't you, and scoring points was the furthest thing in your mind

What would've happened if he said man was "fundamentally bad;"

If man and his heart is fundamentally good, why do we need a saviour?
For what purpose did Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, die?
Who should we believe, the Pope, or God?

That's not what the pope is refereeing too, he didn't say humans are just plain good and don't need a savior, but fundamentally good, but still open to rebellion

As Human nature is complex and nuanced. While humans are created in the image of God and are capable of good, we are also sinful and separated from God due to our disobedience to God's will (Genesis 3). This is often referred to as the "fall of humanity." sin is a fundamental problem that separates us from God, and it requires a sacrifice to reconcile us back to God.

Jesus' death on the cross is seen as a sacrifice for sin, which paid the price for humanity's rebellion against God. Through Jesus' death, we can be forgiven and reconciled to God, and receive eternal life. This is not because we are fundamentally good or bad, but because God's love and mercy are greater than our sin.