John XXIII convened the Second Vatican Council and presided over its early stages before dying on June 3, 1963 at the age of 81. The Mass on Tuesday in St. Peter’s Basilica was celebrated by Pope Francis.
The Remains of John XXIII. were exhibited in a glass case in the nave of the basilica in front of the central confessional altar. Pope John XXIII officially opened the Second Vatican Council on October 11, 1962 with a solemn ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica. Nearly 2,800 Catholic cardinals, patriarchs, and bishops from around the world attended the council, which lasted until December 8, 1965. At that time, John XXIII’s successor, Paul VI, was already in office.
The Second Vatican Council was the last decision-making assembly of all bishops of the Catholic Church. The Council Fathers discussed in St. Peter’s Basilica how the church can proclaim its message under the conditions of the modern world and ideological pluralism. Further topics were a reform of the liturgy and priestly training, the unity of Christians and the reconciliation of church and Judaism. The Council Fathers drew up 16 documents: 4 constitutions, 9 decrees and 3 declarations.
Vatican II was the 21st Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church. The sessions were also attended by more than 100 observers from non-Catholic churches and communities.
Source: Nachrichten
