# Cardinal Fernández: Every religion stands for peace, not war

> The Vatican's doctrine chief reflects on 60 years of Nostra aetate and what interfaith dialogue means today.
- Title: Cardinal Fernández: Every religion stands for peace, not war
- Summary: The Vatican's doctrine chief reflects on 60 years of Nostra aetate and what interfaith dialogue means today. Authentic dialogue requires both a strong sense…
- Keywords: victor fernández, nostra aetate, dicastery for the doctrine of the faith, vatican, interreligious dialogue, second vatican council, pope francis, john paul ii, catholic church, peace, war, syncretism
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-09/cardinal-victor-fernandez-interview-journey-hope-nostra-aetate.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-09-16T10:17:13.863+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: victor fernández, nostra aetate, dicastery for the doctrine of the faith, vatican, interreligious dialogue, second vatican council, pope francis, john paul ii, catholic church, peace, war, syncretism
## 60 years of Nostra aetate
Three Vatican dicasteries released 'A Journey of Hope' to mark six decades since the Second Vatican Council's declaration on interfaith relations.
## No religion justifies war
Nostra aetate teaches that the Church rejects discrimination based on race or religion. Every religion stands for peace, never for war.

> those who use the name of God to legitimize terrorism, violence or war betray His true nature
## Identity plus openness
John Paul II emphasized combining the strongest sense of identity with the greatest openness to dialogue. Both are essential, not opposing forces.
## Dialogue is proclamation
Authentic dialogue means clearly showing your own identity and revealing its beauty. Each person shares their faith without hiding who they are.
## Sharing love, not proselytizing
Missionaries share what has changed their lives, like lovers describing their beloved. They wait with respect for others to ask, never demanding or obliging.

> the words of a lover do not disturb others, they do not make demands or oblige
## Dialogue serves evangelization
The Church proclaims faith in Christ while witnessing fraternal love to believers of other traditions. This counters individualism and self-worship.
## A civilization of love
Through dialogue and collaboration with other religious traditions, the Church works toward a future of peace, fraternity, and justice for all humanity.
## Key takeaway

Authentic dialogue requires both a strong sense of identity and genuine openness to others, with each person revealing their faith's beauty without proselytism.