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Jan 25, 1959 - Announcement of the Council
Pope John XXIII prays in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls on Jan. 25, 1959, just before announcing his plans to convoke the Second Vatican Council. The pope cited a need to update the church and promote Christian unity. -
May 1959 - Nov 1960 - Antepreparatory Period
The preparations for the council were extensive. They began with the institution by the pope of the Antepreparatory Commission in May 1959. Its purpose was to consult clergy and faculty members around the world for suggestions regarding the subject matter of the council discussions. -
Oct 11, 1962 - Dec 8, 1962 - First Session
The first of the council’s four periods ran from October 11 to December 8, 1962. It was formally opened by Pope John in a public ceremony in which he stressed the need for unity and the setting aside of differences. Of the 2,908 people who were invited to attend, 2,540 were present for this first period, most of whom were cardinals and bishops of the Catholic Church. -
Sep 29, 1963 - Dec 4, 1963 - Second Session
The second period opened on September 29, 1963, with a public opening ceremony in which the new pope reiterated the goals of the council. He specifically emphasized the need to reexamine the role of the church and its hierarchy, the need for renewal, the need for unity among Christians, and the need for dialogue with leaders in contemporary society -
Sep 14, 1964 - Nov 21, 1964 - Third Session
Pope Paul opened the third period on September 14, 1964 with a public mass. Apart from the new material, there were a number of unfinished items from the second period to be dealt with -
Sep 14, 1965 - Dec 8, 1965 - Fourth Session
The fourth and final period began on September 14, 1965. It was opened by Paul VI with a mass and the announcement that he was forming a synod of bishops as a means of continued cooperation between himself and the church at large
