Editor’s Note: To ease navigation through this site, here is a year-by-year, chronological table of contents for our stories and texts from the Second Vatican Council. If this is your first visit to “Vatican II: 50 years ago today,” make sure to visit the About page for more details about our coverage of the council, which remains the most comprehensive record available of that historic event.
1962:
- October
- Pope Opens Council, Says Prophets of Doom Should Be Ignored
- Text of Pope John’s Address at Solemn Opening
- 1st and 2nd General Congregations: Short Meeting Opens Council
- Pope Asks Press to Stress Religious Aspects
- Translation of Pope’s Speech to Journalists
- 2,908 Eligible to Be Council Fathers
- Pope Intends to Work, Suffer to Hasten Unity
- Cardinal Bea Welcomes Non-Catholic Observers
- Text of Cardinal Bea to Non-Catholic Observers
- Message Calls for Peace, Social Justice for All
- Elections Held for Working Commissions
- Text of Council’s Message to World
- New Program Arranged For U.S. Newsmen
- Liturgy Is First Topic Tackled by Council Fathers
- 49 Bishops at Council From Red-Ruled Countries
- Council Struggles With Making Liturgy Understandable
- Atlanta Archbishop Says Attitude Toward Liturgy Reform ‘Wide Open’
- Should National Bishops’ Conferences Decide Liturgical Details?
- Pope Names Members to Council Commissions
- List of New Appointees To Council Commissions
- 5th through 10th General Congregations: Link Between Worship and Scripture Symbolized During Council Sessions
- Nature of Lay Apostolate To Be Discussed at Council
- Study Committees Set Up By U.S. Bishops
- Liturgy Reform Not About Change; It’s About Understanding Mass
- 11th General Congregation: Council’s Work ‘Well Under Way’
- November:
- 12th General Congregation: Possible Innovations for Mass Get Detailed Discussion
- New Ecumenical Mass Proposed by Bishop at Council
- India Archbishop Seeks Changes in Church Rites to Add ‘Local Color’
- 13th General Congregation: 1st Council Session to End Dec. 8; Liturgy Discussions Continue
- Archbishop-Rector of Rome Seminary Named to Communications Post
- Vatican Official Hopes Orthodox Churches Will Send Observers to Council
- Internationalization of Curia Among Ideas for Giving Pope New Insights
- 14th to 16th General Congregations: Extreme Unction, Breviary Discussed
- 17th General Congregation: Council Discusses Liturgies, Liturgical Year
- More U.S. Priests Named as Council Experts
- Liturgical Discussions Concluded; Next Up: Revelation
- 18th General Congregation: St. Joseph Given New Honor At Mass
- 19th to 21st General Congregations: Proposal on Revelation Stirs Debate
- 22nd General Congregation: Council Examines Ecumenism
- Protestant Scholar Says Council Observers Pleased
- 23rd General Congregation: Draft on Divine Revelation Won’t be Shelved
- Human Side of the Council
- Two Views of Scripture, Tradition Vie for Support
- 24th General Congregation: Pope Intervenes on Revelation Debate
- Protestant Observer at Council Reports on Impressions So Far
- 25th and 26th General Congregations: Council Opens Discussions on Communications Media
- 27th General Congregation: Communications Talks Conclude; Council Moves on to Christian Unity
- Expert Cites Problems Hindering Catholic-Orthodox Unity
- Guitton Invited as First Catholic Lay Observer at Council
- 28th General Congregation: Communications Draft Approved; More Discussion on Christian Unity
- December:
- 29th, 30th and 31st General Congregations: Catholic-Orthodox Unity, Nature of the Church Are Major Topics
- Council May Review Church Doctrine of the Mystical Body
- 32nd General Congregation: Nature of the Church Still Being Discussed
- 33rd General Congregation: Bishop Suggests Laypeople Serve as Council Experts
- Msgr. Higgins Hopes Council Stimulates Lay Initiatives
- 34th, 35th, 36th General Congregations: Closing Council’s First Session, Bishops Approve Liturgy Reforms
- Members Named for Special Commission
- Bishop Urges an Ecumenical Spirit at Council to Spur Better Dialogue
- Pope John Makes Surprise Visit to Council
- Decision on Revelation Dispute Called Turning Point of Council
- At Closing Meeting, Pope Cites Council’s Achievements So Far
- Text of Pope’s Address Closing First Session of Council
- Compared to Opening, Pope Is Relatively Absent as First Session Closes
- Commission to Tackle Project on Sources of Revelation
- Use of Vernacular In Worship Approved
- Father Vagaggini’s Article On Liturgy Document
1963:
- June:
- September:
- Introduction: Second Session
- Regulations Issued For Second Session
- Text of Pope Paul’s Letter on Resumption of Vatican Council
- Prayer and Penance Asked for Council
- Pope Paul Stresses John XXIII’s Goals
- Secrecy Rule on Debates in Council to Be Dropped
- 63 Non-Catholic Observers Attending Second Session
- 11 Laymen Invited To Attend Council
- Pope Paul Sets Agenda as Council’s Second Session Opens
- Illinois Bishop Says Council Press Committee Welcomes News Corps’ Suggestions
- October:
- Nature of the Church Is Focus As Meetings Resume
- Prelate Explains How Council Decisions Might Be Carried Out
- Pope Receives Press Corps, Warns Against Distorting Council
- Indian Cardinal: Church Exists for Service, Should Be Open to World
- Document on Nature of the Church Gets Extensive Debate
- Father Rahner Weighs in on Nature of the Church
- Cardinal Spellman strongly critical of plan to restore permanent diaconate
- Don’t Distribute Pamphlets in Council Hall, Council Fathers Told
- Out of Order: Belgian Bishop Told to Stop Speaking
- U.S. Press Corps Thank Pope for Improved Information
- Yves Congar Predicts Confrontation at Council on Collegiality
- French Archbishop Says Council Studying Role of Women, Reform of Curia
- Support for Collegiality of Bishops, Permanent Deacons Emerges at Council
- Cautious Council Fathers Need More Time to Reach Decisions
- Approval Expected for Liturgy Document; Discussion Continues on Nature of Church
- Lebanese Archbishop Seeks Change in Church Marriage Laws
- Belgian Cardinal Wants Emphasis on Church’s Missionary Task
- Council Takes Historic Votes to Bring Vernacular to the Mass
- Council Fathers Continue Focus on Collegiality, Permanent Deacons
- Unanimity of Council Fathers Cited by Spanish Bishop
- Essential to Ecumenism is Dialogue, Not Conversion
- Pope, Prelates Mark 1st Anniversary of Council’s Opening
- Council Fathers Have Reservations About Liturgy Document
- Council Fathers Continue Debate on Church’s Nature, Approve Liturgy Amendments
- Bishop Seeks Change in Governance of Mideast Dioceses
- Complaints Aired About Papal Nuncios, Permanent Deacons
- First Time Ever: Laity Is Topic at Council
- Exploring Sacramentality of the Episcopate Could Be Far-Reaching
- Text of Cardinal Bea’s Speech to Ecumenical Guests of Vatican II
- Text of Address to Non-Catholic Observers by Pope Paul VI
- Response by Ecumenical Observers to Welcome of Pope Paul
- Text of Reply to Cardinal Bea by Orthodox Observer to Council
- Benefits of Church-State Separation Raised at Council; Laity Role Further Discussed
- More Support Expressed for Permanent Deacons
- Council’s Twofold Activity: Voting on Liturgy While Debating Church’s Nature
- Changes to Breviary Voted by Council; Laity Discussion Continues
- List of Amendments at Council on Breviary
- No Rivalry Between Celibacy, Marriage in Church Teaching, U.S. Liturgist Notes
- U.S. Prelates Urge Council to Better Explain Church-State Issues
- Baltimore Archbishop Questions Calling Church-State Separation ‘Regrettable’
- American Bishops Want Council to Condemn Race Prejudice
- Protestant Observer Objects to Draft’s Treatment of Non-Catholic Churches
- Laity, Call to Holiness Discussions Continue; Liturgy Votes Also Take Place
- Here’s What Latest Liturgy Amendments Approved by Council Would Do
- Women Soon May be Council Auditors
- Mary Should Be Source of Christian Unity, Not Division, Says Abbot
- Absence of Greek Orthodox Observers Explained
- Close Vote Moves Declaration on Mary to Document on Church’s Nature
- Permanent Deacons Would Meet Urgent Need in Latin America, Says Cardinal
- John Courtney Murray: World Wants Council to Back Religious Liberty
- Philadelphia Archbishop Krol Explains Aspects of Council’s Rules
- Council Turning Point: A Day When Character of Church Begins to Change
- Council Completes Work on Liturgy Document
- November:
- Roman Curia Sure Loser in Debate Over Bishops’ Powers
- Analysis: Discussions on Nature of the Church Represent Council Turning Point
- More Criticism of Roman Curia, But Also Concerns About Nat’l Bishops’ Conferences
- Roman Curia Defended; Discussions Continue on Church Governance
- Importance of Council’s Liturgy Action Stressed
- Importance of Decisions on Schema on Nature of Church
- Iron and Bamboo Curtains Keep 111 From Council
- Drama at the Council: Two Church Giants Face Off on Roman Curia Powers
- Text of Communiqué On Anti-Semitism Statement
- Council Split on Mandatory Retirement Age for Bishops
- Inside the Holy Office: How a Vatican Agency Fights Heresy
- Should National Conferences of Bishops Have Power?
- Opposition Grows to Power for Bishops’ Conferences
- Drafts Discussed on Communications Media, Governance of Dioceses
- Document on Communications Media a First for the Church
- Council Discusses Pros and Cons of Personal Dioceses for Rite, Languages
- Draft of Decree on Ecumenism Urges Catholics to Work for Unity
- Breviary Reform May Take Four to Ten Years
- Introduction of Draft on Ecumenism Applauded, but Sticking Points Remain
- Draft on Ecumenism at Council Called Landmark Event
- Issue of Religious Freedom Gets Major Airing at Council
- Cardinal’s Address on Attitudes Toward Jews Transfixes Council Session
- Text of Speech Introducing Proposal on Religious Liberty
- Text of Cardinal Bea on Draft of Catholic Attitude Toward Jews
- Discussions on Ecumenism Continue; Liturgy Votes Also Take Place
- Surprise Move: Council Commissions to be Reorganized
- Lay Auditors at Council Say They’re Being Heard, Praise Openness
- Historic Day: Sweeping Changes in Liturgy Get Sweeping Approval
- Council Stresses Bishops’ Collegiality
- Ecumenism Schema Seen As Meeting Challenges
- Communications Text Approved; President Kennedy’s Death Noted
- Critics of Ecumenism Blasted by U.S. Bishop
- Texas Bishop: ‘Put an End to the Scandal of Mutual Recrimination’
- Ecumenism Discussions Focus on Separated Christians
- Council Fathers Share Ideas for Implementing Ecumenical Actions
- Dates Announced For Next Year’s Council Sessions; Ecumenism Discussions Continue
- December:
- Session Nears End: Council Assured That Ecumenism Chapters Are Still on Agenda
- ‘Growing Unanimity’ of Bishops at Council Hailed as Major Achievement
- 200 Council Fathers Seek Schema on Communism
- Remarks by Christian Unity Head on Ecumenism Issues at Council
- Two Laymen Address Council
- Text of French Writer Jean Guitton’s Address to Council
- Text of Italian Layman Vittorino Veronese’s Address to Council
- As Second Session Ends, Documents on Liturgy, Communications Promulgated; Pope to Visit Holy Land
- Text of Pope Paul VI’s Address Closing Council’s Second Session
1964:
- September:
- Pope Paul’s Letter on Council Reopening
- Pope Opens Council’s 3rd Session, Says Chief Task Is to Complete Vatican I
- Text of Pope Paul’s Address Opening Council’s 3rd Session
- Council Quickly Concludes Chapter on Nature of the Church
- Cardinal Seeks Streamlined Canonizations; ‘Mediatrix’ Also Debated
- Council Notes Special Status of Jews, Further Debates References to Mary
- Council Debates Authority of Local Bishops Over Religious Communities
- Would Collegiality Weaken Papal Primacy? Council Commission Is Split.
- Council Approves Teaching on Collegiality of Bishops With the Pope as Their Head
- American Cardinals Back Religious Liberty Draft
- Text of Cardinal Cushing’s Address on Religious Liberty
- Summary of Text on Religious Liberty
- More Auditors Named
- Don’t Forget Lack of Religious Freedom Behind Iron Curtain, Argues Cardinal
- Text of Marist Superior’s Address on Religious Liberty
- Lists of Council Observers, Guests for Third Session
- Terms “Mother of the Church,” “Mediatrix” Present Problem for Council
- Meaning of Concelebration
- Religious Liberty Debate Closes After Three Days
- North American Cardinals Urge Strong Statement on Jewish Relations
- Text of Cardinal Cushing’s Address on Draft Statement on Jews
- More Speakers Favor Strong Statement on Jews; Optional Celibacy for Young Deacons Defeated
- Pope Paul Meets Non-Catholic Observers
- Text of Pope’s Talk to Non-Catholic Observers
- Summary of Proposed Council Statement on the Jews
- Text of San Antonio Auxiliary Bishop on Declaration on Jews
- Texts of Archbishop Heenan on Religious Liberty, Jews
- Debate Opens on Divine Revelation With Majority, Minority Reports
- October:
- Summary of Revelation Proposal Being Discussed by Council
- Council Wrestles With Divine Revelation Proposals for Second Day
- Religious Liberty Declaration Summarized
- Common Bible Translations Proposed During Discussions on Revelation
- Council Takes Historic Steps Toward Pursuing Christian Unity
- Council Transitions From Revelation to Lay Apostolate
- Summary of Schema on the Lay Apostolate
- Prelates Note Flaws in Lay Apostolate Draft; Votes Taken on Ecumenism Chapters
- Council Fathers Urge Greater Confidence, Trust in Laity
- Text of Bishop Leven on Apostolate of the Laity
- Lay Apostolate Draft Subjected to Intense Debate
- Commentary: Constitution on the Church ‘Memorable Achievement’
- Council Finishes Debate on Draft Examining Lay Apostolate
- Council Discusses Priestly Life; Applause Greets First Speech by Layman
- Text of Talk by Lay Auditor From England, First to Speak to Council
- Priestly Life and Ministry Draft Gets Spirited Discussion
- Council Fathers Wrestle With Proposals on Eastern Churches
- Commentary: Lasting Impact in Revelation Document
- More Criticism Than Praise for Proposition on Eastern Churches
- Commentary: Ecumenism Schema Clarifies Church’s Stand
- Text of Instruction on the Liturgy to Implement Changes in Mass
- Father McManus Discusses Instruction on Liturgy
- More Debate on Eastern Churches; Council Approves Chapter on Church’s Nature, Wants Revisions on Priesthood Draft
- Proposal on Church in the Modern World Advances
- Today’s Theme: How Should the Church Speak to the Modern World?
- Draft on Lay Apostolate Faces Difficult Rewrite
- Leading Prelate Denounces Draft on Church in Modern World, Seeks Major Delay
- Text of Archbishop’s Remarks Denouncing Draft on Church in the Modern World
- Current Session to End Nov. 21; Effort to Sideline Draft on Church in Modern World Fails
- Summary of Introduction and First Chapter Of Schema on Church in Modern World
- Interview: Cardinal Koenig Says 80 Percent “Fully Behind the Innovations” of the Council
- Council Discusses: Should Eating Meat on Friday Send You to Hell? Should Bishops Look Wealthy?
- Pittsburgh Bishop Defends Proposal on Church in the Modern World
- ‘Christian Responsibility and World Poverty’
- More Catholic Scientists Would Benefit Church, Society, Bishop Tells Council
- New Emphasis on Ecumenism Must Not Destroy Evangelization, Says Cardinal Suenens
- Bigger Church Role for Women Asked
- Summary of Chapters 2 and 3 of Schema on Church in Modern World
- American Prelates Seek Council Condemnation of Racism
- Text of Archbishop O’Boyle on the Church in the Modern World
- Council Tackles Marriage, Birth Control, But Sidesteps Pill Issue
- Interview With Father Hans Kueng
- Text of Cardinal Suenens on Marriage, Family
- Text of Patriarch Maximos IV Saigh on Marriage, Family
- Summary of Chapter 4 of Schema on Church in Modern World
- Cardinal Reports ‘Honest Doubt’ Arising on Birth Control Teaching
- Text of Cardinal Alfrink on Marriage, Family
- November:
- Curia Reform, New Commission of Bishops to Assist Pope Approved by Council
- Interview With Miss Pilar Bellosillo
- U.S. Expert on World Poverty Speaks at Council, Urges “Clarion Call for Action”
- Text of Council Address by American Catholic Expert on Poverty
- Text of Speech at Council by Catholic Relief Services Director
- Pope Makes Rare Council Appearance, Urges Approval of Draft on Mission Work
- Text of Pope’s Council Address on Mission Work
- Summary of Council Propositions on the Missions
- Despite Papal Push, Draft on Mission Work Called a “Dreadful Disappointment”
- Text of Bishop Lamont Questioning Draft on Mission Work
- Draft on Mission Work Destined for Revision; Council Fathers Seek Nuclear Weapons Ban
- Text of California Bishop Promoting Tithing
- Text of Bishop Fulton Sheen on Draft Document on Missions
- American Bishop Protests Proposal on Nuke Weapons, Says Some Use Justifiable
- Text of England Bishop Seeking Refinements on Nuclear Weapons
- Text of U.S. Bishop Citing Defects in Draft on Nuclear Weapons
- Text of Cardinal Spellman on Draft on Religious Life in the Church
- Archaic, Expensive Habits, Rules for Sisters Sharply Criticized in Discussion on Religious Life
- Text of Council Speech on Religious Life by Head of Marist Fathers
- Draft on Religious Life Gets More Criticism; Seminary Training Fares Better
- Extra Work Anticipated as Current Council Session Nears End
- Summary of Draft on Seminaries
- Council Debates How Best to Prepare Seminarians for Priesthood
- Financial Aid for Parents in Choosing Schools Urged at Council
- Background of Council Document On Education
- Text of Cardinal Spellman on Education Draft
- Text of Cardinal Ritter on Education Draft
- Interview With Bishop Fulton Sheen on Council’s “Communionistic Revolution”
- Canadian Cardinal Seeks ‘Modern Charter of Christian Education’
- Text of Youngstown, Ohio, Auxiliary Bishop on Education Draft
- Summary of Declaration on Church’s Relations With Non-Christians
- Delay in Vote on Religious Liberty Draft Draws Wide Protest
- Council ‘Votum’ On Matrimony
- Schema 13 Will Be Drastically Revised
- Flurry of Actions Mark Final Working Day of Council’s Third Session
- Suggestions to Pope on Marriage Norms Break New Ground
- Text Of Cardinal Ritter on Matrimony Document
- Third Session Closes With Proclamation of Documents on Church, Ecumenism, Eastern Churches
- Council Box Score
- Pope Paul’s Speech At Closing Session
- Commentary: Constitution on the Church ‘Memorable Achievement’
1965:
- September:
- Pope Opens Final Council Session, Announces New Collaborative Body of Bishops
- Text of Paul VI’s Speech Opening Fourth Session of Council
- Pope’s Announcement Erases Unease That John XXIII’s Vision Won’t Be Met
- Auditors Named for Final Council Session
- Papal Document Gives Details for New Synod of World’s Bishops
- Council Father Summarizes Draft Document on Religious Liberty
- Bishops Applaud Details of New Synod of Bishops
- American Press Panel Resumes Briefings on Activities of Council
- Text of ‘Motu Proprio’ Establishing Synod of Bishops
- Text of Jesuit Father John Courtney Murray on doctrine of religious liberty
- Council Lacks Agreement on Revised Religious Liberty Text
- Text of Cardinal Spellman on Religious Liberty Draft
- Debate Continues for Third Day on Religious Liberty Document
- John Courtney Murray Defends Religious Liberty Draft
- Number of Observers Nearly Doubles Since Start of Council
- Text of Atlanta Archbishop on Religious Liberty
- Beginning of Ecumenical Friendships Lauded at Reception
- Text of Cardinal Bea’s Speech on Ecumenical Friendships
- Text of Reply to Cardinal Bea at Ecumenical Reception
- Declaration on Religious Freedom Gaining Support
- Text of Prague Cardinal’s Speech on Religious Liberty
- Text of Council’s Letter to Pope Paul
- Text of Baltimore Cardinal’s Speech on Religious Liberty
- Council Approves Religious Freedom Text, Starts Debate on Church in Modern World
- Test Vote on Religious Liberty Overwhelmingly Successful
- Report Notes Draft on Church in Modern World Heavily Rewritten
- Text of Cardinal Spellman’s Remarks on Draft on Church in Modern World
- Council Text on Church in Modern World Critiqued for ‘False Optimism’
- Text of Alberta Archbishop’s Comments on Church in the Modern World
- List of Observers, Guests at Current Session of Vatican II
- Bishop Reminds Council Fathers: Actions Speak Louder Than Words
- Statement on Newly Established Synod of Bishops
- Atheistic Communism Is Focus for Council Speakers
- Jesuit Leader’s Remarks on Atheism Spark Media Queries
- New Office for Justice, Development Proposed at Council
- Text of Jesuit Leader’s Speech on Atheism
- Draft on Church in Modern World Brings More Debate
- Is Massive Draft on Church in Modern World in Trouble?
- Marriage Debate Enlivens Council Session
- Council Gets Detailed Report on Draft Document on Church
- Voting Begins on Proposed Document on Pastoral Duties of Bishops
- Possibility of Changing Church Teaching on Divorce Raised at Council
- Charging Jews With ‘Deicide’ Totally Unfounded, Top Vatican Official Says
- Council Urged to Back Family Prayer
- Text of Montreal Cardinal’s Speech on Marriage at Council
- Deicide, Contraception, Divorce Issues Dominate Council Session
- Results Announced on Votes on Duties of Bishops
- Controversial Word ‘Deicide’ Becomes a Cause Célèbre at Council
- Council Summary of Chapter on Pastoral Duties of Bishops
- October:
- Council Discusses Calendar, Church in Modern World
- Voting Concludes on Revisions for Duties of Bishops
- Eastern Prelate Defends Views on Divorce
- Pope’s Trip to U.N., Council Text on Jews Discussed at Press Briefing
- U.S. Bishops Name Commission to Establish Formal Contacts with American Jewish Community
- As Pope Heads for U.N., Council Joins Him in Prayer
- Could John XXIII Be Headed for Sainthood?
- Text of Bishop Swanstrom’s Speech Urging New Office to Fight Poverty
- Text of Melkite Archbishop’s New Intervention on Marriage
- As Pope Returns From United Nations, Council Continues Work
- Pope Reports on His Voyage of Peace to United Nations
- Pope’s Reference to Birth Control at UN Prompts Questions From Media
- Text of Pope’s Speech to Council After Returning From UN
- Nuclear Arms Possession Questioned at Council
- Theologians Discuss Nature of Church Teaching on Contraception
- Council Fathers Applaud Call for End to Nuclear Threat
- Mission Commission Reports on Draft on Church’s Missionary Life
- Council Struggles With Nuances of Nuclear Weapons’ Immorality
- Melkite Patriarch Urges No Exceptions on Divorce Teaching
- Change in Garb for Religious Could Be One Result of Council
- Bishop Explains Psychoanalysis of Monks in His Diocese
- Text of Cardinal Ottaviani’s Speech on What Council Should Say on Modern Warfare
- Text of Liverpool Archbishop on Threats to World Peace
- Missionary Importance Stressed at Council Session
- Education Draft Completely Revised; New Wording on Parents, Teachers, State Aid to Education
- Pope Takes Celibacy Issue Off the Table at Council
- Panel Agrees Pope Had Right to Remove Celibacy From Council Deliberations
- Council to Hold Public Session to Enact New Documents
- Council Father Seeks Consideration of Conscientious Objection
- Changes Proposed in Role Of Women in the Church
- Christ’s Missionary Mandate, Role of Laity Highlighted at Council Session
- Press Session Focuses on Priestly Celibacy
- Atlanta Archbishop Seeks Stronger Condemnation of Discrimination
- Text of African Layman’s Council Speech on Missions
- Voting Begins on Text Exonerating Jews for Christ’s Death; Priest Holiness also Discussed
- Votes Announced on Relations With Non-Christian Religions
- Council Seeks Subsidies for Parents, Not State Aid to Parochial Schools, Spokesman Says
- Should the Church “Deplore” or “Condemn” Anti-Semitism?
- Text: Vatican Official’s Report on Amendments on Non-Christian Religions
- Document on Non-Christian Faiths OKed; Debate Continues on Priestly Life Text
- More Votes Revealed on Relations With Non-Christians
- First Reactions Are Positive to Council Statement on Relations With Jews
- After Hesitation, Serbian Orthodox Church Decides to Send Observer-Delegates
- With Council Nearing End, Final Debate Takes Place on Priesthood Document
- Vote on Non-Christian Religions Set for Oct. 28; Council Statement Sought on Communism
- Text of U.S. Bishop’s Speech to Council on Priestly Life and Ministry
- After Recess, Council Resumes With Debates on Priestly Life, Religious Liberty
- Press Briefing: Henceforth, Some U.S. Bishops’ Decisions Will Have Force of Law
- Dozens Seek to Block Reorganization of Missionary Governance
- Finish Line in Sight, but Council Still Faces Some Difficult Issues
- Revised Section of Religious Liberty Text Approved; Debate Continues on Priestly Life
- Text of Speech Urging Extensive Revisions for Document on Priesthood
- Religious Liberty Votes Announced; U.S. Priest Speaks on Clergy Document
- Press Briefing: Too Early to Judge Support ‘With Reservations’ for Religious Liberty Text
- Text: Philadelphia Priest-Auditor Addresses Council on Priesthood Document
- Once-Controversial Text on Divine Revelation Gets Nearly Unanimous OK
- Greek Orthodox, Buddhist Officials Greet Pope Paul at Audiences
- Council’s Real Work Begins After It Ends
- Father Peyton Wants Family Prayer Recognized at Vatican II
- Less Than Half of Bishops in Communist Countries Able to Attend
- Document on Non-Christians Called a Contribution to Peace
- November:
- Pope Seeks ‘New Pentecost’ From Ecumenical Council
- Text: Pope Paul’s Exhortation On the Ecumenical Council
- Document on Role of Laity Headed Toward Overwhelming Approval
- News Release Summarizing Study on Indulgences
- U.S. Priest Calls Document on Indulgences “Extremely Embarrassing”
- Text of Pope’s Letter Announcing Dec. 8 as Council Closing Date
- Many Urge Delay for Proposed Revisions on Indulgences
- Report Given on Revisions for Text on Missionary Work
- Missions Text Gets Preliminary OK; Indulgences Text Still Debated
- What Council’s Document on Mission Activity Tries to Do
- What Does a Council “Session” Really Mean?
- Amendments Sought for Missions Text; Voting Begins on Revised Priesthood Document
- Priesthood Text That Includes Support for Priest-Workers Gets Support
- Draft on Church in Modern World Tackles Atheism, Birth Control, Roles for Women
- Council Fathers Seeking Explicit Condemnation of Communism Take One Last Stand
- New Orleans Archbishop Suggests Amendments Dealing With War, Peace
- Council Fathers Discuss Marriage, Modern Warfare Norms
- Press Panel Discussion Focuses on Marriage, Conscience
- Ceremonies Announced for Closing Council Dec. 7-8
- Votes Continue on Marriage Norms in Text on Church in Modern World
- Council Document on Religious Liberty Discussed at U.S. Press Panel
- Amendment Wants Missionaries to Have Voice at Congregation
- Texts on Religious Liberty, Church in Modern World Advance
- Document on Church in Modern World Is Broader Than Simply War, Marriage, Says Bishop
- Officials Deny Claim That Petition to Condemn Communism Was Improperly Shelved
- Text of Pope’s Talk to Journalists Covering Council
- Council Approves Reorganization of Church’s Missionary Activity
- Church Teaching on Birth Control Discussed by U.S. Bishops’ Press Panel
- December:
- Communism, Marriage, War Dominate Discussions of Church Role
- No Simple Answers for Questions of World Justice, Poverty, Says India Prelate
- Spokesman Denies Reported Effort to Water Down Religious Liberty Text
- Scholar John Noonan Speaks on Contraception at Vatican Press Conference
- Landmark Text on Church in Modern World Heads for Approval
- Are Council Fathers Divided on Stockpiling Nukes for Defensive Purposes?
- Text: Letter to Council From Non-Catholic Observers, Delegates
- Text: Letter on Nuclear Arms Issue From 11 Council Prelates
- At Final Working Session, Bishops Overwhelmingly Approve Church in Modern World Text
- Church Jubilee After Council May Make Absolution Easier
- Text of Pope’s Speech to Non-Catholic Observers Attending Council
- At Final Plenary, Pope Reflects On Council’s Success; Catholic-Orthodox Excommunications Also Lifted
- Pope’s Address at Final Plenary Meeting of Second Vatican Council
- Text of Pope’s Letter Changing Name Holy Office to Congregation for Doctrine of the Faith
- Text: Pope’s Address to Country Representatives Attending Vatican II Closing
- Text: Pope’s Apostolic Constitution Declaring a Jubilee to Celebrate Completion of Council
- At Simple Outdoor Mass Filled With Reminders of a Changing Church, Council Passes Into History
- Papal Brief Declaring Council Closed
- Text of Pope’s Speech at Mass Closing Second Vatican Council
- Messages From Council to Rulers, Scientists, Artists, Women, et al.
- Council Statistics
- Key Moments During Second Vatican Council
- Full Texts: Documents of the Second Vatican Council
Vatican II: 50 years ago today 