Commemorating 50 years Vatican II (2012-2015). Some historiographical data and reflections

Descrizione

I. Introduction

The period 2012-2015 was characterized by constant commemorations of

the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council1, probably the Council that

best represented the universality of the Catholic Church with regard to the participation

of people from all continents. The Council was characterized «by an

uncommon freedom of speech and creativity, the right to take initiatives, the

belief that things could change and should be changed» 2. We immediately admit

that we did not read all books and articles published during this period, for

this was simply impossible3. Furthermore, we are very well aware that the acts

of quite a number of conferences and colloquia are still underway4. Indeed,

Vatican II was the subject of many historical studies: several (short) histories

of the Council were published, often intended to inform young students or a

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