Pope Would Baptize Aliens

Pope says church's doors open, even to aliens

If an alien asked Pope Francis to be baptized, the leader of the Catholic Church says he would do it.

He made the comments Monday during his homily at mass at Casa Santa Marta,Vatican Radio reported.

"If, for example, tomorrow an expedition of Martians came, and some of them came to us, here ... and one says, 'But I want to be baptized!' What would happen?" the Pope said.

He then asked, "Who are we to close the doors?"

He said like Saint Peter, who was criticized by Christians for talking with and baptizing pagans, the church needs to open the doors to everyone who is interested.

"He opened the door, received the people, allowed them to pass. But it was never the ministry of the closed door, never," Pope Francis said.