Rifts, Trust, and Openness: Pope John Paul II's Legacy in Catholic Intra- and Interreligious Dialogue

Trying to assess the legacy of Pope John Paul II in Catholic intra- and interreligious dialogue can be a precarious task. Fidelity to the deceased pope remains (justifiably) high. He was respected, if not beloved, by many Catholics and non-Catholics throughout the world. He also played a substantial role in a wide range of ecumenical and interfaith documents, gestures, and actions. Peter Phan has written, appreciate John Paul's achievements in interreligious dialogue, it is necessary to consider both his activities to promote interreligious harmony and collaboration and his theology of interreligious (1) I concur that both components are intertwined and must be assessed but also contend that, to evaluate best his impact in these areas, we need to turn to some of his non-Catholic dialogue partners (and critics). (2) A failure to listen to and heed such words would be to sully John Paul's general openness to the Other and to partake in an insular, closed approach. To many of those chanting (and praying) Santo Subito! (Sainthood now!), however, Karol Jozef Wojtyla is a saint, further affirmed after his successful anointing as Blessed on May 1,2011. (3) To suggest a possible critique of him in certain circles is to have one's Catholic loyalty and orthodoxy questioned. Yet, the Other usually has the best authority to judge how we impact him or her. Catholics can profess that they have changed in their relationship with the Jewish people, for example, but, without Jewish affirmation, the claim can seem self-serving and hollow. Consider, then, these fairly representative words from Rabbi James Rudin's 2011 work, Christians and Jews. Faith to Faith: [John Paul's] extraordinary contributions to building mutual respect and understanding between Catholics and Jews are historic in nature, and he will be remembered as the 'best pope the Jews ever had.' (4) Rudin also remarked that John Paul earned an imperishable place in Jewish history, because his leadership had strengthened Christianity's reconciliation with its Jewish 'elder brother.' (5) His praise is high and deeply touching. Rudin, however, is still critical of certain words and actions of John Paul or the Vatican during his papacy. (6) While John Paul's commitment to Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life pervades his writings, words, and actions, I will also assess whether some ambiguity remains for a space for the beliefs of the Other. (7) In this essay I will first examine three areas where greater intra-Church dialogue during John Paul's pontificate was--and is--needed: the child-abuse scandal, liberation theology, and women and the Church. I will highlight how the viability of the Church's role in interfaith dialogue is dependent on the health and richness of intra-Church dialogue. I will then examine the complexities of juxtaposing and seeking a coherent message between John Paul's shepherding of the World Day of Prayer at Assisi and his support of the declaration Dominus Iesus. Are these instances part of a contradictory or a coherent narrative? After presenting some prominent Muslim and Buddhist views of John Paul, I will then look at his impact on Jewish-Christian relations, especially in his advocating of the irrevocable viability of the Jewish covenant. In the conclusion, I will seek to summarize the legacy that he has left in Catholic intra- and interreligious dialogue and will present two principal paths for the future of the Church and interreligious dialogue amid the reality of our religiously pluralist world. Catholic Intrareligious Dialogue: Three Needed Ongoing Conversations There is an intrinsic connection between the viability of Catholic intrareligious dialogue and Catholic participation in interfaith dialogue. If there is paltry dialogue within the Church (or any institution) and insufficient means for all its members to weigh, discuss, and critique various positions, dialogue with the Other will be feeble and convoluted. …