[livius]

It may have been JPII’s position, but that does not automatically make it the Church’s dogma. Dogma or doctrine is formally defined and is consistent with the tradition and practice of the Church since the beginning.

A pope can have all sorts of opinions but they are exactly that, his personal opinion, and do not thereby become church dogma.

JPII was occasionally ambiguous in many things he said and did, or didn’t say and didn’t do. He was also much more closely examined or constantly on stage than any other prior pope, and I think sometimes he made remarks that probably needed more clarification, but because of the circumstances in which they were made, never received it.

[Pyro7480]

Thanks for the input livius. :-)

[adiaireton8]

It may have been JPII’s position, but that does not automatically make it the Church’s dogma.

I agree. I never claimed it was "dogma". But not all of the Church's positions are dogma. What is taught in the Catechism counts as being "the Church's position", even if it does not have the status of dogma. And therefore this teaching about Muslims worshipping the same God as Catholics (#841 in the Catechism) should be considered the Church's position on this matter.

-A8