SIXTEEN CENTURIES OF DIALOGUE

FROM NICAEA TO VATICAN II, TOWARDS A SYNODAL CHURCH

Abstract

This issue of Paralellus Journal, entitled \"SIXTEEN CENTURIES OF DIALOGUE: FROM NICAEA TO VATICAN II, TOWARDS A SYNODAL CHURCH\", commemorates the significant anniversaries of 1700 years since the Council of Nicaea (325 CE) and 60 years since the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). The authors emphasise these councils as crucial pillars that have shaped the identity, theology, and mission of the Church, proposing a historical, theological, ecumenical, and spiritual reflection upon them. The publication is the result of the international project \"Sempre Nicéia\", an initiative born from Pope Francis' (2013-2025) pontifical proposals, which sought to foster dialogue and the historical rediscovery of the faith common to Christians. Through the collaboration of over sixty researchers from thirteen countries, the project explored the relevance and contemporary significance of Nicaea from multidisciplinary and pluriconfessional perspectives. The central objective was to deepen knowledge of Nicaea and its reception, analysing its sources, interpretations throughout history, and its presence in ecumenical dialogue and diverse Churches. The convergence between the memory of Nicaea and the legacy of Vatican II proves profoundly fruitful for the contemporary Church, as both councils addressed fundamental questions such as the identity of Christ, the nature and unity of the Church. The articles in the volume cover diverse themes, including pneumatology, Arianism, anthropological changes, doctrinal construction, and synodality. This critical re-reading of historical and theological sources transcends mere erudition, presenting itself as an urgent invitation for the twenty-first-century Church to promote the reconciliation of memories and contribute to the construction of peace in a fragmented world.