Keeping council

It is 50 years since Vatican II, a surprise attempt to radically overhaul the Catholic Church. But its potential has been squandered, writes TP O’Mahony

IT WAS a decision that came out of the blue, a decision to hold what has come to be regarded as one of the most significant events of the second half of the 20th century — an event the full ramifications of which remain uncertain today.

On Oct 11, 1962 — 50 years ago tomorrow — 2,500 bishops from all parts of the world filed into St Peter’s Basilica in Rome for the opening session of the Second Vatican Council.