Vatican II at 60: Time for Retirement, by Eric Sammons

Today is the 60th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. Undeniably the most influential event in modern Church history, Vatican II impacted every facet of Church life, from how the pope exercises his ministry to how parishes operate.  Since Vatican II, however, the Church has suffered many losses: millions leave the flock every year, the Church’s moral standing in the world is shattered, and she is deeply divided. While a small (but vocal) segment of Catholics place the blame for these losses at the feet of the Council, most Catholic leaders, particularly among the ranks of the bishops, argue that we must look to Vatican II to reverse these disturbing trends: only through the Council can we revitalize the Church. …

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