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Second Vatican Council. 1962-1965. Why was the council convened?. Called by John XXIII, to “open windows and let in air” Choice to consult bishops seen as collegial; pope is “first among equals”, but church as a communal group acts together
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Second Vatican Council 1962-1965
Why was the council convened? • Called by John XXIII, to “open windows and let in air” • Choice to consult bishops seen as collegial; pope is “first among equals”, but church as a communal group acts together • Involves both return to sources (ressourcement) and openness to new situations (aggiornamento) • Purpose: articulate church’s relation to modern world • Sees moment as opportunity, not threat • Reads “signs of times” to understand this mission • Lots of compromises happened; documents reflect this ambiguity and tension at times
What was new about the council? • First truly world Catholic council • Also invited orthodox and protestant observers • Women not included at first, eventually invited to observe • Media event; catholics at home could read in papers and see on TV what was going on • Biggest changes • Liturgy • declaration on human rights • openness to ecumenism and other religions • emphasis on role of the laity
How was it conducted? • 4 sessions (fall) • Bishops study preliminary documents, then debate • Bishops argue for greater role than Curia (Vatican offices) • Documents written by committee • So, often reflect compromises or different points of view • Today: Catholics argue over “spirit of Vatican II” vs. conservative interpretation
Pre-Vatican II view of Church (Ott) • Chapter 1: The Divine Origin of the Church • The concept Church • The Foundation of the Church by Christ • The Purpose of the Church • Chapter 2: The Constitution of the Church • The Hierarchical Constitution of the Church • The Primacy of St. Peter • The Primacy of Jurisdiction of the Pope • The Nature of the Papal Primacy • The Papal Teaching Primacy or the Papal Infallibility • The Bishops • Chapter 3: The Internal Constitution of the Church • Christ and the Church • The Holy Ghost and the Church • Chapter 4: The Properties or Essential Attributes of the Church • The Indefectibility of the Church • The Infallibility of the Church • The Visibility of the Church • The Unity of the Church • The Sanctity of the Church • The Catholicity of the Church • The Apostolicity of the Church • Chapter 5: The Necessity of the Church • Membership of the Church • The Necessity for Membership of the Church