A turning point 60 years ago

Nostra aetate transformed Catholic relations with Jews and other faiths after World War II. It remains a reference point for dialogue in a world torn by war.

Three Vatican offices issue new note

On the 60th anniversary, three Dicasteries published 'A Journey of Hope.' The document reviews dialogue achievements and outlines future prospects.

Discrimination violates Christ's teaching

The Note renews a core message: the Church rejects discrimination based on race, color, social condition, or religion.

“The Church reproves, as foreign to the mind of Christ, any discrimination against people or persecution of them on account of race, colour, social condition, or religion.”

Born from the Shoah's tragedy

Nostra aetate was a response to antisemitism's consequences, which culminated in the Holocaust. Published in 1965, it marked profound change.

Respecting what's true in other faiths

For the first time, the Church declared she rejects nothing true and holy in other religions. She invited Catholics to regard them with esteem.

Religious freedom for all believers

No sincere relationship with other religions is possible without respecting religious freedom. Christians in minority countries still face persecution today.

The Jewish covenant remains irrevocable

God's covenant with the Jewish people is irrevocable and challenges the Church. Christians and Jews share Old Testament roots and cannot do without each other.

Fighting antisemitism together

Solidarity with Jews includes shared struggle against antisemitism. Nostra aetate deplored anti-Jewish hatred at any time and by anyone, including within the Church.

Middle East conflicts strain dialogue

Conflicts in the Middle East have left their mark on Jewish-Christian dialogue. Many communication channels remain tested by differing interpretations of events.

Dialogue bears fruit with Islam

Common work has produced clear results with Islam and other religions. Friendships among leaders, joint projects, and statements on crises have emerged.

“To live in the world as witnesses to the love of God, in dialogue with all.”

Rejecting Islamophobia

The Dicasteries criticize Islamophobia that fails to distinguish fundamentalism from peaceful Muslim believers who integrate and contribute to their countries.

The poor as our compass

Concrete concern for the vulnerable is the essential measure of every project's integrity. Welcome or rejection of the poor reveals whether we're on the right path.

Fundamentalism undermines dialogue

Dialogue faces obstacles from fundamentalism, prejudice, political manipulation of religion, and violence in God's name. Secularization also marginalizes religious discourse.

Dialogue requires clear identity

Dialogue isn't strategy or abandoning identity, but an evangelical path. It requires awareness of one's faith together with genuine openness to others.

“We cannot call upon God as the Father of all if we refuse to behave in a fraternal manner toward certain people who have been created in the image of God.”

Building bridges, not walls

Believers must abandon defensiveness and hostility to adopt openness and courage. The document calls all people to become artisans of peace and fraternity.