Father Leonard Feeney (1897-1978) was an American Jesuit priest who defended a strict interpretation of the Catholic doctrine extra ecclesiam nulla salus, or "outside the church there is no salvation", arguing that baptism of blood and baptism of desire are unavailing and all non-Catholics therefore go to Hell. He was officially excommunicated in 1953 by Pope Pius XII for refusing to submit to ecclesiastical authority, but his supporters claim that the excommunication was invalid because the correct procedure was not followed. He was reconciled to the church before his death, but was allegedly not required to retract his position on the doctrine, which is inscribed on his tombstone.
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Last updated: 10-15-2005 05:08:02
