Impact Of Vatican 2

Countless contributions and the founding of Vatican 2 have resulted in Pope John’s immense devotion to the development and expression of Christianity.

Pope John XXIII (Angelo Guiseppe Roncalli) was born on November 25th 1881 in Lombardy, Italy. His upbringing, rich in religion and modesty, provided the foundation of his basic values evident in his reign as Pope. Prior to his election, Angelo Roncalli was a writer and a scholar, specializing in history, petrology and apologetics. He was often consulted on matters regarding his preaching’s and for spiritual advice. Upon election, his manner and concern for others led him to being labeled “The Good Pope”. Socially, politically and religiously, his contributions have affected both Christianity
His involvement in various religious traditions around the world contributed to the growth of his knowledge and understanding and thus contributed to his impact on Christianity. In 1962 he established the 2nd Vatican Council and enacted major revision of the Code of Canon Law. It’s purpose – Aggiornamento, to renew the current Catholic Church and bring in a fresh new way of thinking. This assisted with the expression of the faith in a more contemporary way, relevant to the 20th Century adherents. The Vatican 2 was seen as a means of “Paving the way for Christian unity” and impacted the renewal of the Christian Church by giving the papacy a new vision and mission for the future. The opening of Vatican 2 saw Pope John reveal, “the council now beginning rises in the Church like the daybreak, a forerunner of most splendid light” supporting the idea of Aggiornamento and reinforcing his initiative to bolster missionary order whilst building an environment that actively responded to the changing forces of the modern world. The Church had often been referred to as a “fortress” that was extremely reluctant to move forward and adapt to the changing needs its
He was an advocate for the poor and those suffering injustices, a concept rich in his upbringing. Pope John attempted to foster relationships between Catholics, Jews and Muslims along with reaching out to the Communist leaders of Russia. In 1961 he wrote his first encyclical titled “Mater et Magistra – Mother and Teacher” which outlined the gaps between the rich and the poor nations. He encourages nations to give assistance to those needing help, especially those not yet industrialized. It raised concerns about the arms race and called upon Christians to work towards a just world. The document also addresses scientific advances, improved social systems – basic education, breakdown of class barriers as well as increased public affairs awareness, as well as economic imbalances and the breakdown of colonialism. His second, written two years later, “Pacem in Terris – Peace on earth” concentrated on human rights as he basis for peace. It was addressed to “all men of good will” irrespective of religion. It stated the urgency for a worldwide institution that promoted and safeguarded the universal God. This encyclical also urged world leaders to work co operatively in order to achieve peace. A deeper understanding of the encyclical reveals the Pope’s desires to address dignity, religious freedom, equal rights, increased dependence of developing nations and