*CATECHISM OF CATHOLIC CHURCH TEACHINGS* (ccc) *171. What is the meaning of the affirmation "Outside the Church there is no salvation"?* This means that all salvation comes from Christ, the Head, through the Church which is his body. Hence they cannot be saved who, knowing the Church as founded by Christ and necessary for salvation, would refuse to enter her or remain in her. At the same time, thanks to Christ and to his Church, those who through no fault of their own do not know the Gospel of Christ and his Church but sincerely seek God and, moved by grace, try to do his will as it is known through the dictates of conscience can attain eternal salvation. *Further reading: CCC 846-848* *172. Why must the Church proclaim the Gospel to the whole world?* The Church must do so because Christ has given the command: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). The missionary mandate of the Lord has its origin in the eternal love of God who has sent his Son and the Holy Spirit because "he desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4). *Further reading: CCC 849-851*