Theological Highlights of Vatican II

by Pope Benedict XVI, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger

Overview

Fr. Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, writes about the Council from the experience of one who was there-one who took part as an official peritus or expert in the work of Vatican II.

Regarded as one of the outstanding young theologians to emerge from the conciliar period, the author mirrors in his observations here his intimate familiarity with the theological issues discussed, the positions taken, and the battles fought. But he does not seek to record the "diplomatic factors, intramural power plays, and antagonism among groups." His purpose is to "attempt to delineate the inner aspects, the spiritual profile of the Council."

The book includes a special preface by the author setting forth the character of the observations as his "account of a personal journey through the landscape of each session, with an open view toward further developments." There is also a new introduction written by Thomas Rausch, SJ, that provides a balanced and contemporary context for the book.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781616430658
Publisher:	\
Publication date:	09/01/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Sales rank:	992,693
File size:	343 KB

Table of Contents

Preface to the English Edition vii

Introduction Thomas P. Rausch, SJ 1

Part 1 The First Session

I Opening of the Council and Election of the Commissions 19

II First Debates on the Liturgy Schema 28

III Early Debate on Revelation 40

IV Last Phase of the First Session 49

Part 2 The Second Session

I Preliminary Notes 57

II Work Begins The Debate on the Church 71

III Practical Questions: Bishops' Conferences, Bishops' Council and Curial Reform 91

IV Interlude: The Mariological Question 94

V The Question of Ecumenism 96

VI The Achievements of the Second Session 118

VII Afterword 122

Part 3 The Third Session

I The Fall of 1964 127

II The Council at the Close of the Session 151

III Ecumenical Problems Involved in the Teaching on Episcopal Collegiality 161

IV Concluding Remarks 192

Part 4 The Fourth Session

I Opening of the Session and the New Synod of Bishops 199

II The First Topic of Debate: Religious Liberty 206

III The Struggle over Schema 13 212

IV The Council's Two Final Discussions 244

V The Last Phase of the Council 253

VI Epilogue 259