Pope Leo Launches New Catechesis Series on Vatican Council II

At his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Leo announced the beginning of a new cycle of catecheses dedicated to Vatican Council II, inviting the Church to rediscover the enduring beauty, relevance, and prophetic power of the Council by returning directly to its documents.

Following the Jubilee Year, which focused on the mysteries of the life of Jesus, the Pope explained that the new catechetical series offers a valuable opportunity to reflect once again on what he described as one of the greatest graces bestowed on the Church in the twentieth century. Citing Saint John Paul II, he recalled that Vatican II remains a decisive moment in the Church’s history, one whose significance has not diminished with time.

Marking the anniversary of the Council, Pope Leo acknowledged that the generation of bishops, theologians, and faithful who experienced Vatican II firsthand is no longer with us. For this reason, he emphasized the importance of knowing the Council not through “hearsay” or partial interpretations, but through a direct rereading of its documents. These texts, he said, continue to serve as a guiding star for the Church’s journey today.

The Pope echoed the teaching of Benedict XVI, who affirmed that the Conciliar Documents have lost none of their timeliness and remain especially relevant in the context of a globalized world. Vatican II, Pope Leo noted, was the fruit of a long biblical, theological, and liturgical renewal that matured throughout the twentieth century and culminated in a profound rediscovery of the Church’s identity and mission.

He recalled that the Council presented anew the face of God as a Father who, in Christ, calls humanity to become His children. It also looked upon the Church in the light of Christ, “the light of nations,” understanding her as a mystery of communion and a sacrament of unity between God and His people. At the same time, Vatican II initiated significant liturgical reform, placing the mystery of salvation at the center and encouraging the full, conscious, and active participation of all the faithful.

Pope Leo highlighted the Council’s openness to the modern world, noting that it invited the Church to engage contemporary realities through dialogue and shared responsibility. Vatican II, he said, helped the Church to embrace the hopes, anxieties, and challenges of humanity, committing herself to collaboration in the building of a more just and fraternal society.

Thanks to the Council, the Pope continued, the Church reaffirmed that she has a message to offer the world, pursuing the truth through ecumenism, interreligious dialogue, and dialogue with all people of good will. This spirit, he stressed, must continue to shape both the spiritual life of believers and the pastoral action of the Church today.

While much has been accomplished, Pope Leo acknowledged that ecclesial reform remains incomplete, particularly in its ministerial dimension. In the face of contemporary challenges, he urged the Church to remain attentive to the signs of the times, joyful in proclaiming the Gospel, and courageous in witnessing to justice and peace.

Quoting the future Pope John Paul I, then Bishop Albino Luciani, the Pope recalled that the true fruits of a Council often emerge slowly, through perseverance, conflict, and adversity, and are rooted not primarily in structures but in holiness. Rediscovering Vatican II, he added, helps restore primacy to God and renews the Church as one deeply in love with the Lord and with all humanity.

Concluding his catechesis, Pope Leo recalled the words of Saint Paul VI at the close of the Council, when he urged the Fathers to leave the assembly and go out toward the world to bring the good news of the Gospel. That call, the Pope said, remains valid today. As the Church rediscovers the prophetic and contemporary relevance of Vatican II, she is invited to draw from her rich tradition while renewing her mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God—a kingdom of love, justice, and peace—to the world.