Nostra Aetate and Mary: Mary as a Bridge Figure Between Christianity and Islam

This paper will examine how Nostra Aetate uses Mary as a bridge figure between Christians and Muslims and how it influenced subsequent Popes and religious figures to reference her in various speeches and statements.  It will examine how Muslims have been receptive to this initiative through visiting Meryem Ana Evi in Turkey as well as writing about her in academic and scholarly settings.  It will conclude by critically examining this use and ask how Mary can open doors to new theological inquiry, shared devotion and Christian-Muslim dialogue.