Abstract

Over twenty years have passed since December 25, 1961 when Pope John XXIII decided to convene the Ecumenical Council in Rome by the end of 1962. The Council had already been announced in January 1959, but this set the time and accelerated preparations for it. There is no need to stress how during this twenty-year period the changes resulting from the Council have had a profound effect on the organization of the Catholic Church, its culture, the elaboration of its doctrines, and its relation to the social and political realities of our time.

At the time of Pope Pius XII's death, the Roman Church seemed to be on the defensive.