4. Vatican II – 21 st Ecumenical Council Opened under Pope John XXIII on October 11, 1962 Closed under Pope Paul VI on December 8, 1965
5. Why? Pope John responds, "I want to throw open the windows of the Church so that we can see out and the people can see in."
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10. The Catholic Church is now more than ever before a global church. For the first time in history, a Church council addressed itself not only the Church but to the whole of humanity.
11. Awareness of global economic, social, and ecological issues has brought a new dimension to the Church’s moral teachings. The ecumenical movement of the 20th century has been a great force for reconciliation among Christian communities.
12. Two of the Popes of the latter half of the 20th century Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II have been the first popes to travel extensively. In doing so they have shown their solidarity with Catholics around the world and encouraged them in their faith. As they traveled, they continually challenged unjust structures and called on all people to work for world peace.
