Does the Holy Spirit Dwell in Non-Christians?

The indwelling of the Holy Trinity, including the Holy Spirit, is a gift of baptism (CCC 1265-66; see 1996-2000; 2014; 2021). Christians who remain in a state of sanctifying or habitual grace are blessed by this most holy indwelling (CCC 2000).

Those who are not Christians and thus not baptized do not have the indwelling of the Holy Trinity. However, one should not erroneously conclude that God is unconcerned about them or even has abandoned them. Indeed, all human persons are made in God’s image and likeness (Gen. 1:26-27), and God seeks to aid them on Earth through actual graces (CCC 2000; 2024). And God is certainly desirous of their eternal salvation, which is why, in part, he gives his Catholic Church the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:18-20).