Agnes De Dreuzy

This volume explores how Catholicism began and continues to open its doors to the wider world and to other confessions in embracing ecumenism, thanks to the vision and legacy of the Second Vatican Council. It explores such themes as the twentieth century context preceding the council; parallels between Vatican II and previous councils; its distinctively pastoral character; the legacy of the council in relation to issues such as church-world dynamics, as well as to ethics, social justice, economic activity. Several chapters discuss the role of women in the church before, during, and since the council. Others discern inculturation in relation to Vatican II. The book also contains a wide and original range of ecumenical considerations of the council, including by and in relation to Free Church, Reformed, Orthodox, and Anglican perspectives. Finally, it considers the Council’s ongoing promise and remaining challenges with regard to ecumenical issues, including a groundbreaking essay on the future of ecumenical dialogue by Cardinal Walter Kasper.

Benedict XV deserves a place among the architects of Vatican II, even though he may be among the most unexpected ones. This chapter demonstrates how his pontificate was foundational in developing a new spirit of opening to the world, which was later embraced by the Second Vatican Council. Benedict’s farsighted vision of the Church is manifest in his defense of international peace, his actions in favor of Christian unity, and in a new understanding of the Church’s missionary activity. Pope Benedict and the Council are still challenging the Church today, a challenge picked up by Pope Francis who describes peace as an art, loving your neighbor as foundational, and protecting Eastern Catholics and their heritage as a vital issue.