SECOND VATICAN SECOND VATICAN COUNCILCOUNCIL

1962 - 19651962 - 1965

Pope John XXIIIPope John XXIII

St. Peter’s Basilica – Rome, St. Peter’s Basilica – Rome, ItalyItaly

Vatican II – 21Vatican II – 21stst Ecumenical Ecumenical CouncilCouncil

Opened under Pope John XXIII on

October 11, 1962

Closed under Pope Paul VI on

December 8, 1965

Why?Why?

Pope John responds,

"I want to throw open the windows of the Church so that we can see out and the people can see in."

Second Vatican CouncilSecond Vatican Council

• Renew and re – energizeRenew and re – energize

• Bring up-to-date (aggiornamento)Bring up-to-date (aggiornamento)

• Spirit of EcumenismSpirit of Ecumenism

• Pastoral EmphasisPastoral Emphasis

• Splendor of Jesus Christ revealedSplendor of Jesus Christ revealed

Some Changes in LiturgySome Changes in Liturgy

• Mass in English (vernacular)Mass in English (vernacular)

• Active participation of all CatholicsActive participation of all Catholics

• Priest facing people from altarPriest facing people from altar

• Fasting before Eucharist changedFasting before Eucharist changed

• Include Prayer of FaithfulInclude Prayer of Faithful

EcumenismEcumenism

• Promote unity of all ChristiansPromote unity of all Christians

• Respect all Christians (see the Respect all Christians (see the goodness in other Christian goodness in other Christian communities)communities)

• Prayers for unity recited jointlyPrayers for unity recited jointly

Other issues and Other issues and considerationsconsiderations

• divine revelationdivine revelation• the sacred liturgythe sacred liturgy• the church in the modern worldthe church in the modern world• renewal of religious liferenewal of religious life• missionary activitymissionary activity• Christian educationChristian education• the relationship of the church to the relationship of the church to

non-Christian religionsnon-Christian religions• religious freedom. religious freedom.

The Catholic Church is now more than ever before a

global church.

For the first time in history, a Church council addressed itself not only the Church

but to the whole of humanity.

Awareness of global economic, social, and ecological issues

has brought a new dimension to the Church’s moral teachings.

The ecumenical movement of the 20th century has been a

great force for reconciliation among Christian communities.

Two of the Popes of the latter half of the 20th century Pope Paul VI and

Pope John Paul II have been the first popes to travel extensively.

In doing so they have shown their solidarity with Catholics around the world and encouraged them in their

faith. As they traveled, they continually challenged unjust

structures and called on all people to work for world peace.