JOHN PAUL II AND HIS DIALOGUE WITH THE FOLLOWERS OF ISLAM

• Authors: Rudnicka-Kassem D.
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

The article aimed at presenting John Paul II's attitude towards Islam and its followers. It was based mainly on his encyclicals, speeches, and addresses concerning Islam and its contacts with Christianity. The pontificates of John XXIII and Paul VI brought about a new attitude (dialogue) of the Church towards Islam. John Paul II continued the endavours of his predecessors. In 1979 he spoke of the religious patrimony of Islam and of its spiritual values. He also expressed his respect for the Muslims. On the occasion of his journeys John Paul II used to emphasize the need to conduct a sincere dialogue between the Catholic Church and the followers of Islam. During his visit in Casablanca he, as the first Pope ever, formally addressed a Muslim audience at the invitation of a Muslim leader. John Paul II used to claim that there were religious values which Christians and Muslims had in common. He also spoke openly about religious differences and his way of dealing with the issue reflects his strong faith in the good will of human being. There were many ways in which John Paul II conducted his dialogue with the followers of Islam: meetings with Muslim leaders, pilgrimages to Muslim countries, supporting the organization of interreligious conferences and gatherings. Some Muslim scholars were questioning the ways of John Paul II's dialogue with the followers of Islam. The Pope, however, never engaged in any polemics with his opponents, but was constantly renewing his appeal for mutual understanding. John Paul II's efforts began a new stage in the relations between Christianity and Islam. It seems that his appeal to continue a dialogue between these two religions is more important that ever.

Keywords

EN

CHRISTIANITY-ISLAM DIALOGUE; JOHN PAUL II

Discipline

• HISTORY: HISTORY

• Publisher: Instytut Kultur Śródziemnomorskich i Orientalnych PAN
• Journal: Acta Asiatica Varsoviensia
• Year: 2005
• Volume: 18
• Pages: 79-90
• Document type: ARTICLE

Contributors

author

Rudnicka-Kassem D.

• D. Rudnicka-Kassem, Uniwersytet Jagiellonski, Instytut Studiów Regionalnych, ul. A. Mickiewicza 3, 31-120 Kraków, Poland

Identifiers

CEJSH db identifier

06PLAAAA01302947