The Catholic Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, was from 1964 (when Pope Paul VI created it) to 1998 called the Secretariat for Non-Christians.

It was renamed by Pope John Paul II and led by his close associate Francis Cardinal Arinze from 1985 until 1 October 2002.

Promotes dialogue

"The PCID is the central office of the Catholic Church for the promotion of interreligious dialogue in accordance with the spirit of the Second Vatican Council, in particular the declaration "Nostra Aetate". It has the following responsibilities:

1. to promote mutual understanding, respect and collaboration between Catholics and the followers of others religious traditions;
2. to encourage the study of religions;
3. to promote the formation of persons dedicated to dialogue."

The entirely separate Commission for religious Relations with Jews reports to the separate Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. However, the two Councils do cooperate very closely.

Arinze's platform

This post is largely considered to have made Arinze's career. Arinze was created cardinal just before taking the post. Arinze then served in various related capacities including the President of the Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops.

He also

His status also rose within the Church. As a member of the Committee of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 he worked closely with individual bishops and priests throughout the world and further impressed Pope John Paul II, who on 1 October 2002, made him Prefect of the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. This is considered the fourth highest position in the Roman Catholic Church.

Accordingly leadership of the Council is seen by some as a career-maker in the global Church.

Current activities

The activities of the Council today seem focused on communicating on common values and interests to other religious believers and spiritual leaders. It welcomes visitors to Rome, it visits others, runs meetings and publishes "a bulletin, called "Pro Dialogo" three times a year, containing "significant Church texts on dialogue, articles, and news of dialogue activities throughout the world" and an Interreligious Dialogue Directory.

Structure

It has a decision-making body, an advisory body and executive body.