1962 AD
Pope John XXIII opened the Second Vatican Council on October 11, 1962, with 2,540 bishops from around the world in attendance. The Council aimed to bring about an 'aggiornamento' (updating) of the Church's approach to the modern world. It produced sixteen documents that reshaped the Church's liturgy, ecumenical outreach, and understanding of its mission.
Key documents include Lumen Gentium (on the Church), Dei Verbum (on Divine Revelation), Sacrosanctum Concilium (on the liturgy), and Gaudium et Spes (on the Church in the modern world). The Council allowed the use of vernacular languages in the Mass, promoted ecumenical dialogue, and affirmed religious freedom. Key documents: Lumen Gentium, Dei Verbum, Sacrosanctum Concilium, Gaudium et Spes