Pope Francis writes atheists can go to heaven Thousands across the world fast and pray for peace in Syria in response to the call of Pope Francis. God forgives those who follow their conscience ... Pope Francis gestures as he reads a message during his weekly general audience in St. Peter square at the Vatican (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Source: AP POPE Francis has said in a letter to a left-wing daily newspaper that atheists would be forgiven by God if they followed their consciences. "God's mercy has no limits if we turn to him with a sincere and contrite heart," Pope Francis, the leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics, said in a missive published on the front page of La Repubblica by its founder Eugenio Scalfari. ``The question for people who do not believe in God is to listen to their consciences. Also for those without faith, sin is going against your conscience," he said. ``Listening to it and obeying it means making up one's mind about what is good and evil," he added. Pope Francis stands next to cardinal Agostino Vallini as he leaves after a visit at the Astalli centre in Rome. Pope Francis added "it is time for an open dialogue on faith without any preconceived notions." Pope Francis performed a 'blessing of the motorbikes' at the Vatican for thousands of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. Robert Mickens, the Vatican correspondent for the Catholic journal The Tablet, said Pope Francis' comments emphasised his bid to remove the Catholic Church's staid image, reinforced by his predecessor Benedict XVI, The Independent web site reported. "Francis is a still a conservative," said Mr Mickens. But what this is all about is him seeking to have a more meaningful dialogue with the world. The letter was the 76-year-old pope's reply to questions posed in the newspaper in July and August by Scalfari, who had admitted to not believing in God. Since being elected in March, the Argentine pope has repeatedly said he wants his words to be heard by faithful from other religions and nonbelievers. During a blessing in St Peter's Square in May, Francis said nonbelievers could be redeemed just like Catholics - an unusual message that was quickly denied by a Vatican spokesman who said that anyone who refuses the Catholic Church "cannot be saved." The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ. All of us, not just Catholics. Everyone! Father, the atheists? Even the atheists. Everyone!" the pope said in his address in May. We must meet one another doing good. 'But I don't believe, Father, I am an atheist!' But do good: we will meet one another there," he said. Time for an open dialogue on faith without any preconceived notions ... Pope Francis arrives for his weekly general audience as a Brazilian flag is being waved in background, in St. Peter's square at the Vatican, Rome. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Source: AP