This year marks the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate (“In Our Time”), a short but transformative document that reshaped the Catholic Church’s approach to non-Christian religions.
The seeds of change were planted in 1959 when St. Pope John XXIII, with a spontaneous yet powerful gesture, removed the term “perfidious Jews” from the Good Friday liturgy, a change that would soon be extended across the entire Church. This was more than a symbolic act; it marked a deliberate step toward healing a long-standing rift and fostering a deeper, more respectful understanding.
Though interfaith dialogue was not initially on the agenda for the Second Vatican Council, Nostra Aetate emerged from the vision of St. Pope John XXIII. As Archbishop Roncalli in Istanbul during World War II, he saved thousands of Jewish lives and witnessed the Holocaust—the horrific extermination of six million Jews in Europe, one of the darkest chapters in human history.
Approved by an overwhelming majority of bishops and promulgated by St. Pope Paul VI on October 28, 1965, Nostra Aetate redefined Catholicism’s relationship with non-Christian religions, calling for mutual respect, understanding, and dialogue, especially with Jews, Muslims, and others.
Sixty years later, the document’s message remains as relevant as ever. In a world torn by religious conflict, extremism, and growing polarization, its call for peace and understanding serves as a vital reminder of the importance of interfaith dialogue and our shared humanity.
Shared Humanity
At its core, Nostra Aetate calls us to recognize the profound dignity of all humanity. It begins by stating that “God made the whole human race to live over the face of the earth,” emphasizing that all people, regardless of belief or background, are united in their search for meaning and truth. The document highlights the deep spiritual bond shared between Christians and Jews, urging the Church to foster “mutual understanding and respect.”
However, Nostra Aetate does not stop there. It extends similar recognition to Muslims, acknowledging their belief in one God, their reverence for Jesus as a prophet, and their commitment to prayer, fasting, and charity.
In an era marked by religious and cultural tensions, this call for unity amid diversity is more essential than ever.
Theological Foundations
Nostra Aetate was not an isolated document but part of a broader vision articulated by the Second Vatican Council. It is deeply intertwined with two other foundational documents: Lumen Gentium (the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church) and Gaudium et Spes (the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World). Together, these texts shape the Church’s engagement with the modern world and emphasize its universal mission.
Lumen Gentium speaks of the Church as a universal body, one that must engage with the spiritual bonds uniting Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Gaudium et Spes, on the other hand, calls for active engagement with society and affirms the dignity of all people.
These three documents collectively laid the foundation for interreligious dialogue, encouraging the Church to connect with the “spiritual and historical bonds” shared by people of all faiths.
Confronting Polarization
The document explicitly condemns “hatred, persecutions, displays of anti-Semitism,” and any form of discrimination based on race, color, or religion. It stresses that true love for God is inseparable from love for one’s neighbor, as reflected in 1 John 4:8: “He who does not love does not know God.”
This powerful message directly confronts the rising tide of anti-Jewish sentiment, anti-Muslim prejudice, and broader xenophobia that fuel social divisions.
By affirming the inherent dignity of all people, Nostra Aetate calls believers to actively reject hatred and work toward building a more inclusive and compassionate world.
The Continuing Influence of Recent Popes
The spirit of Nostra Aetate has been strongly upheld by recent popes, each of whom has reinforced its message of unity and dialogue:
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St. Pope John Paul II: On the 20th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, he celebrated the progress made in interreligious relations, calling for “mutual understanding and respect” through ongoing “brotherly dialogues” between Catholics, Jews, and others. His outreach to both Jewish and Muslim communities demonstrated his commitment to living out the document’s principles.
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Pope Benedict XVI: Both as pope and later as pope emeritus, he emphasized that Nostra Aetate plays a critical role in “building bridges” with Jews and Muslims. In his 2012 document Ecclesia in Medio Oriente, he affirmed that the shared belief in one Creator can “make a powerful contribution to peace,” continuing the call for theological dialogue and cooperation.
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Pope Francis: Pope Francis frequently references Nostra Aetate to emphasize the importance of recognizing our common humanity. He urges Christians to engage in “open and respectful” dialogue, preserving the shared spiritual values found in all religions.
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Pope Leo XIII (not XIV; likely a typo in the original text): In his time, Pope Leo XIII also encouraged mutual respect between Christians and those of other faiths, laying early groundwork for the Church’s modern openness to dialogue.
A Call to Live the Document’s Vision
The message of Nostra Aetate is as vital today as it was in 1965. It calls us to respect the dignity of every person, grounded in our shared creation by God.
In a world that often seems divided, Nostra Aetate offers a path forward, through rejecting hate, embracing our common humanity, and engaging in genuine dialogue.
Christians are called to be agents of reconciliation, living these principles in their relationships with others, regardless of faith. In doing so, they help build a more peaceful, understanding, and united world.
