Explore how Protestant-Catholic relations evolved from centuries of hostility to surprising theological convergence over the last 100 years, examining Vatican II's impact and the remaining divisions between these Christian branches.

The fact that Catholics and Protestants went from burning each other at the stake to jointly commemorating the Reformation shows that even the deepest religious divisions aren't necessarily permanent.
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Lena: Hey Miles, I was reading about the Protestant-Catholic relationship recently, and it's fascinating how much has changed in just the last century. Five hundred years after the Reformation began, the landscape looks completely different than what Martin Luther might have expected, doesn't it?
Miles: Absolutely, Lena. What's really striking is how the theological divisions that once led to wars and persecution have significantly diminished, especially since the mid-20th century. A Pew Research study found that today, majorities in Western Europe view Catholics and Protestants as more similar than different religiously.
Lena: That's such a shift! I mean, people literally died over these theological differences centuries ago. What changed?
Miles: You know, it's remarkable—even on core theological issues like salvation through faith alone (*sola fide*), which was central to Luther's break with Rome, the lines have blurred. The same Pew study found that majorities of both Catholics and Protestants in Western Europe now believe salvation comes through both faith AND good works.
Lena: Wait, so Protestants have moved toward the traditionally Catholic position? That's unexpected!
Miles: Right? And it's not just theological convergence. The Second Vatican Council in the early 1960s marked a turning point, with Catholics beginning to participate in the ecumenical movement. By 2016, Pope Francis was even commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in Sweden. Let's explore how these remarkable changes unfolded over the past century and what issues still divide these two branches of Christianity today.