So where does this leave rank-and-file Catholics, like me? Do we have to accept that the head of our church — the one holy Catholic and apostolic Church — is a heretic?

No. Or rather, not quite. For a start, it’s obvious that Francis can’t have literally meant what he so carelessly said. Clearly, he doesn’t believe that all religions are paths to God. For instance, not even the flakiest theologian could think that sacrificing 20,000 captives to a sun god is an edifying spiritual exercise.

But assuming that Francis was only referring to the mainstream non-Christian religions, isn’t that bad enough? Are the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Saint John — “I am the way, and the truth, and the life… no man cometh to the Father, but by me” — not clear enough for him? Wouldn’t it be a problem if the Pope were to imply that Jesus can be bypassed?

Yes, it would. According to various Catholic publications (for instance, here and here), the official translation on the vatican.va website — “religions are seen as paths trying to reach God” — appears to finesse the Pope’s statement. This version can be viewed on the web page archived on 14 September. Obviously, this wording is less controversial than the original live translation.

However, as of today, the wording has been changed again! It now reads “all religions are paths to God”, which is almost back to the original translation. What a mess.

One can still reconcile the Pope’s words with the Gospels because, for Christians, Christ doesn’t exist as a tickbox on a good theology checklist, but as the second person of the Trinity. As God, He is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent — and thus within reach of any human heart that desires Him.

There is no reason to suppose that Francis doesn’t believe this too, but even in the midst of an interfaith dialogue he needs to communicate it. To do so with both clarity and sensitivity isn’t easy, but such abilities are part of the job description.

When the previous Pope, Benedict XVI, felt he couldn’t fulfil his duties anymore he abdicated. If the current Pope can’t lead his flock without sowing confusion then he too should consider his position.

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Peter Franklin is Associate Editor of UnHerd. He was previously a policy advisor and speechwriter on environmental and social issues.

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