I found this interesting.
The subject of Francis’s homily at the daily Mass was hypocrisy. He criticized the “scandal” of “saying one thing and doing another.”
Many of these hypocrites, Francis implied, according to the Vatican’s text of his homily, are Catholics who act rigorously in their ritual observance but don’t apply the religion’s values to their lives. “A totally double life: ‘I am very Catholic, I always go to Mass, I belong to this association and that one; but my life is not Christian, I don’t pay my workers a just wage, I exploit people, I am dirty in my business, I launder money …’ A double life. And so many Christians are like this, and these people scandalize others.”
He then quoted a sentiment that he said he has heard expressed repeatedly: “But to be a Catholic like that, it’s better to be an atheist.”
snip
He remarked soon after becoming pope that even atheists can go to heaven thanks to the redemption of Jesus. He granted an interview to an atheist journalist, and told the reporter that efforts to convert people to Christianity are “solemn nonsense” and each person “must choose to follow the good and fight evil as he conceives them.”
WaPo: Pope Francis suggests it’s better to be an atheist than a hypocritical Catholic
Now many atheists don’t want to go to a place that they think is non-existent, but the thought from a Pope is kind.
Theists and atheists can ally in support of shared values of justice and decency.
I also note the Pope’s focus on workers and the poor: “I don’t pay my workers a just wage, I exploit people.”
Starvation wages are an offense in the eyes of God and man.