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Second Vatican Ecumenical Council
Concilium Oecumenicum Vaticanum Secundum  (Latin)
Petersdom von Engelsburg gesehen.jpg
Saint Peter's Basilica
Venue of the Second Vatican Council
Date 11 October 1962 (11 October 1962) – 8 December 1965 (8 December 1965)
Accepted by Catholic Church
Previous council
First Vatican Council (1869-1870)
Convoked by Pope John XXIII
President Pope John XXIII
Pope Paul VI
Attendance up to 2,625
Topics The Church in itself, its sole salvific role as the one, true and complete Christian faith, also in relation to ecumenism among other religions, in relation to the modern world, renewal of consecrated life, liturgical disciplines, etc.
Documents and statements
Four constitutions:
  • Sacrosanctum Concilium (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy)
  • Lumen gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church)
  • Dei verbum (Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation)
  • Gaudium et spes (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World)

Three declarations:

  • Gravissimum educationis (Declaration on Christian Education)
  • Nostra aetate (Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions)
  • Dignitatis humanae (Declaration on Religious Freedom)

Nine decrees:

  • Inter mirifica (Decree on the Media of Social Communication)
  • Orientalium Ecclesiarum (Decree on the Catholic Churches of the Eastern Rite)
  • Unitatis redintegratio (Decree on Ecumenism)
  • Christus Dominus (Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church)
  • Perfectae caritatis (Decree on the Adaptation and Renewal of Religious Life)
  • Optatam totius (Decree on Priestly Training)
  • Apostolicam actuositatem (Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity)
  • Ad gentes (Decree on the Mission Activity of the Church)
  • Presbyterorum ordinis (Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests)
Chronological list of ecumenical councils

The Second Vatican Council, often called Vatican II, was a very important meeting for the Catholic Church. It was the 21st Ecumenical Council in the Church's history. Pope John XXIII started it in 1962, and it ended in 1965 under Pope Paul VI.

Many people believe these meetings were the most important event for the Catholic Church in the 20th century. They led to many changes, like allowing Mass to be said in local languages instead of only Latin. The council aimed to update the Church and help it connect better with the modern world. It also worked on building bridges with other religions.

What Was Vatican II?

Vatican II was a series of meetings where leaders of the Catholic Church came together. These leaders included bishops, cardinals, and popes. They discussed how the Church could better serve its members and the world. The council took place in Vatican City, at St. Peter's Basilica.

Who Attended the Council?

Many important people attended Vatican II. Up to 2,625 bishops and other Church leaders were there. Four future popes were present at the start of the council:

Why Was the Council Held?

The main goal of Vatican II was to bring the Catholic Church up to date. This idea is called aggiornamento, which means "bringing up to date" in Italian. The Church wanted to respond to the big changes happening in the world after World War II. It also wanted to talk more openly with other Christian groups and non-Christian religions.

Key Changes and Decisions

The Second Vatican Council produced many important documents. These documents guided the Church in making changes. They covered topics like how Mass is celebrated, how the Church sees itself, and how it relates to the modern world.

Changes to Mass and Worship

One of the most noticeable changes was to the Mass. Before Vatican II, Mass was almost always said in Latin. After the council, Mass could be celebrated in the local language of the people. This made it easier for people to understand and participate. Priests also began to face the congregation more often during Mass.

The Church and the World

The council talked a lot about the Church's role in the modern world. It encouraged Catholics to be more involved in society and to work for justice and peace. It also stressed the importance of religious freedom for everyone.

Relations with Other Religions

Vatican II opened up new ways for the Catholic Church to talk with other Christian churches and other religions. This effort is called ecumenism. The council taught that there is truth and goodness in other faiths, and it encouraged respect and understanding among all people.

Impact of Vatican II

The Second Vatican Council had a huge impact on the Catholic Church. It changed how Catholics worship, how they see their faith, and how the Church interacts with the world. While some changes were welcomed, others led to discussions and different opinions within the Church. Overall, Vatican II aimed to make the Church more open, relevant, and connected to people's lives.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Concilio Vaticano II para niños

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