Did Vatican II say that there is no need to be Catholic?

It is very commonly heard today, even from some priests, that Catholics have acknowledged there is no need to be Catholic to be saved. Presumably, this is said to be teaching of Vatican II. 

So I thought I will post a link an article I read that does a quick and excellent analysis of this claim. You can find it here.

To quote an interesting part of it

"Lumen Gentium 15-16 presents this idea in a complex and nuanced way. (We find complementary teachings in Unitatis Redintegratio and Nostra Aetate.) Notice the emphasis on the conditional. The Eastern Orthodox Churches can communicate life in the grace of Christ, a grace that tends implicitly toward plenary communion with the Roman Church. Protestant Christians might live in a state of grace (with charity in their hearts) based upon their baptismal life in Christ, and his forgiveness of their sins, but they face potential setbacks due to problematic beliefs and seriously erroneous moral practices.  It is possible for the grace of God to be at work among those who believe in the one God (Jews or Muslims), and also in those who, through other religious traditions, “in shadows and images seek the unknown God.” Grace may even be at work in the hearts of those who do not believe in God."

Keys to the kingdom

So while the possibility exists, our actions depend on the likelihood or probability of this taking place. Our Catholic tradition informs us that this probability is very small. The Saints of the Church are unanimous in claiming that few are saved and many are damned (quotes can be found here) and Christ himself states as such in the gospels (Luke 13:23-24). Note that some of these quotes were uttered when the majority of world was considered to be Catholic. Therefore, it is not even sufficient to be Catholic by name but one must practice ones faith and utilize all the sacraments while working out ones salvation in fear and trembling. In other words, getting to heaven is not an easy job. We need all the help we can get. "All the help we can get" is only offered in one place: in the Catholic Church. No one should settle for less or be happy to see others settle for less. 

Therefore, if one were to correctly interpret the words of Vatican II, one cannot hold that it is not necessary to be Catholic. It is a truth that if one were to remain outside of the Catholic Church, there is a greater chance that one will fall in to the temptations and snares of the devil and perish. So it should be our desire to try and convert all to the Catholic faith so that they have the greatest chance and means of obtaining salvation. At the same time, we should appreciate, utilize and live out the truths of our holy Catholic faith.

(For anyone interested in more information on this topic, I do recommend the book "Will Many Be Saved?: What Vatican II Actually Teaches and Its Implications for the New Evangelization" by Ralph Martin)