(Also called Vatican II) The worldwide gathering of bishops of the Roman Catholic Church (1962-1965) called by Pope John XXIII. The Council transformed the life, theology and practices of the world’s largest religion and opened a new era of Catholic relationships with other Christians, Jews and Muslims. It is widely considered the most important religious event of the twentieth century.

The Catholic council from 1963 through 1965 that exemplified an openness to accepting modern elements into the Catholic faith.

A major meeting of the Bishops of the world convened by Pope John XXIII to bring about a renewal of the Church for the second half of the 20th century. It ran from 1962 to 1965 and produced important documents involving liturgy, ecumenism, communications and other areas.