Second Vatican Council

noun

1. the twenty-first Roman Catholic ecumenical council (1962–65) convened by Pope John XXIII. Its 16 documents redefined the nature of the church, gave bishops greater influence in church affairs, and increased lay participation in liturgy.

Example Sentences

But Father Flynn, following the spirit of the recent Second Vatican Council, and presumably his own inclinations, does not lead with fear.

From New York Times

Citing the teachings of the modernizing Second Vatican Council, he urged the assembled prelates to listen to one another, discern decisions and then journey forward, without being tied to preconceived prejudices.

From Seattle Times

This came after reforms that followed the Second Vatican Council, which brought the 2,000-year-old church into the modern era.

From Seattle Times

“Particularly since the Second Vatican Council, and theologically, the ground for keeping governance united to ordination is getting shakier.”

From Washington Times

Ever since the Second Vatican Council, the 1960s meetings that modernized the church, popes have summoned the world’s bishops to Rome for a few weeks at a time to debate particular topics.

From Seattle Times