A DIALOGICAL APPROACH TO ISLAM: THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND ITS MISSION IN THE LIGHT OF THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL AND THE PONTIFICATE OF PAUL VI

For over thirteen centuries the history of Christian-Muslim relations has been one of conflicts and bitter polemics. However, there have always been on both sides voices advocating a need for more positive approach and understanding. The twentieth century finally witnessed long awaited promising developments. The pontificates of John XXIII and Paul VI brought about a new attitude of the Catholic Church to Non-Christian religions, including Islam, officially acknowledged by the Second Vatican Council in its documents, especially in the Declaration on the Relationship of the Church to Non-Christian Religions Nostra Aetate no. 3. The paper presents the analysis of these documents and discusses the role of Paul VI in initiating and developing a dialogical approach towards Muslims.