INTER-RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE: POPE JOHN PAUL II AND YUNUS EMRE

Abstract

One of the important acts of the Second Vatican Council, convened by the late great Pope John XXIII “in order to bring the Catholic Church up to date,” concerned Muslims and the Inter-religious Dialogue. For the first time the Church addressed thus the followers of Islam. In their Nostra Aetate III statement the Council members expressed their desire to move to a new era of co-operation with these words: “Over the centuries many quarrels and dissensions have arisen between Christians and Muslims. The Sacred Council now pleads with all to forget the past, and urges that a sincere effort be made to achieve mutual understanding; for the benefit of all, let them together preserve and promote peace, liberty, social justice and moral values.”