Religious freedom : doctrinal development in Vatican II

Abstract

On December 9th, 1965, in an editorial article, the influential Italian paper LA STAMP A, in Turin, hailed the Declaration on Religious Freedom DIGNITATIS HUMANAE as a unique and authentic enrichment; and perhaps the most characteristic doctrine resulting from the Second Vatican Council. As a matter of fact, it must be realized that in no other Second Vatican Council document is it so explicitly stated that the intention of the Council is to 'develop' Catholic doctrine: "Over and above all this, in dealing with the question of religious freedom this sacred Council intends to develop the doctrine of recent Popes on the inviolable rights of the human person and on the constitutional order of society.