By Lavoisier Fernandes –
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 wasn’t just a symbolic gesture; it marked a deliberate step towards healing a long-standing rift and fostering a deeper, more respectful understanding.
Though interfaith dialogue wasn’t 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 history.
Approved by a large 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 polarisation, its call for peace and understanding serves as a vital reminder of the importance of interfaith dialogue and our shared humanity.
The Council’s Vision of a 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” (cf.1), emphasizing that all people, regardless of belief or background, are united in their search for meaning and truth. The document goes on to highlight the deep spiritual bond shared between Christians and Jews, urging the Church to foster “mutual understanding and respect” (cf. 4).
However, Nostra Aetate doesn’t 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 (cf.3).
The document encourages dialogue that go beyond doctrinal differences while remaining rooted in the Christian belief in Christ as the ultimate path to salvation. In an era marked by religious and cultural tensions, this call for unity amidst diversity is more essential than ever.
The Theological Foundations of Nostra Aetate
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.
According to the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, 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 Polarisation: Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and Social Division
Nostra Aetate’s teachings are especially timely in a world where prejudice and discrimination still thrive. The document explicitly condemns “hatred, persecutions, displays of anti-Semitism” and any form of discrimination based on race, colour, or religion (cf.5). It stresses that true love for God is inseparable from love for one’s neighbour, 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 hate 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:
- Pope Leo XIV (2025): In a speech to interreligious leaders in 2025, Pope Leo XIV stressed the “greatness of the spiritual heritage shared by Christians and Jews” and reaffirmed his respect for Muslims as “worshipers of the one God.” He called for dialogue grounded in “mutual collaboration” and “reciprocal understanding” as a means to foster peace.
- Pope Francis: Pope Francis frequently referenced Nostra Aetate to emphasize the importance of recognizing our common humanity. In his General Audience on October 28, 2015, he urged Christians to engage in “open and respectful” dialogue, preserving the shared spiritual values found in all religions.
- Pope Benedict XVI: Pope Benedict XVI, both as pope and later as emeritus, reinforced the teachings of Nostra Aetate, emphasizing that it plays a critical role in “building bridges” with Jews and Muslims. In his 2012 document Ecclesia in Medio Oriente, he emphasized that shared belief in one Creator can “make a powerful contribution to peace,” continuing the call for theological dialogue and cooperation.
- Pope John Paul II: On the 20th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, St.Pope John Paul II 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.
Practical Implications for Today
The principles of Nostra Aetate are not just abstract ideas; they have concrete implications for how we live and interact with others.
- Interreligious Dialogue as a Concrete Practice: The document urges us to “acknowledge, preserve, and promote the good things” found in other faiths, calling on Christians to collaborate with people of different religions in areas like education, humanitarian aid, and social justice. These actions are a tangible way to live out the spirit of unity and respect.
- Human Fraternity Initiatives: The 2019 Document on Human Fraternity, widely referenced by Pope Leo XIV, builds on Nostra Aetate’s vision. It promotes a “culture of dialogue” and encourages “mutual collaboration” to address global challenges and foster peace.
- Combating Hate Through Catechesis: The Church is called to ensure its teachings align with the spirit of Nostra Aetate, particularly in catechesis. This means preventing the spread of prejudices like anti-Semitism or Islamophobia and instilling values of love, respect, and understanding.
A Call to Live the Document’s Vision
Ultimately, 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 can help build a more peaceful, understanding, and united world.
Lavoisier Fernandes, born and raised in Goa, is currently based in West London. His faith is “work in progress”- and a lifelong journey. He has always been fascinated by the Catholic faith, thanks to his Salesian schooling. He’s passionate about podcasting, theology, the papacy, and volunteering. He has hosted ‘Talking Faith’ series for Heavens Road FM, Catholic Radio, connecting with ordinary men and women within the Catholic faith, other faiths and examining issues affecting both the Church and society. He has also been a host on Shalom World Catholic TV for two episodes of the ‘Heart Talk’ series. He presently contributes for the Goa Diocesan magazine Renevacao.