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When: Announced in 1959, convened in 1962, and lasted until 1965

Where: In Rome, at the Vatican

Who: Pope John XXIII (1881–1963) convened the council with the express interest of addressing the issues of modernity; it was continued by his successor Paul VI (1897–1978). Around 2,600 Roman Catholic bishops, clergy, and members of male religious orders attended, plus invited theological experts and Eastern Orthodox and Protestant observers. After a complaint 23 Catholic women were admitted as auditors.

What happened: The council released 16 documents. It revised the liturgy, included more Scripture in the service, encouraged clergy to celebrate Mass in the vernacular, and made the service less ornate and more streamlined. It also released some restrictions on religious orders and encouraged dialogue with Protestants and with non-Christian religions (especially Judaism). The initial motivation behind many of these reforms came chiefly from the nouvelle theologians and their emphasis on Scripture and the church fathers.

By the editors

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