Cambridge Companion to Vatican II

This Companion provides an accessible guide for those seeking to comprehend the significance of Vatican II for Catholicism today. It offers a thorough overview of the Second Vatican Council, the most significant event in the history of Roman Catholicism since the Protestant Reformation. Almost six decades since the close of the council, its teaching remains what one pope referred to as a 'sure compass' for guiding today's church. The first part of the Companion examines the historical, theological, and ecclesial contexts for comprehending the significance of the council. It also presents the key processes, as well as the participants who were central to the actual conduct of the council. The second part identifies and explores the central themes embedded in the council documents. The Companion concludes with a unique appendix intended to guide students wishing to pursue more advanced research in Vatican II studies.

'The splendid Companion engages readers in the lively process of ­understanding and interpreting Vatican II in its time, and applying it for our times.' Hilmar M. Pabel, The Tablet

Richard R. Gaillardetz is the Joseph Professor of Catholic Systematic Theology at Boston College. He has published numerous articles and authored or edited 14 books, most recently, a newly revised and expanded edition of his popular book, By What Authority? Foundations for Understanding Authority in the Church (2018). He has also published, An Unfinished Council: Vatican II, Pope Francis, and the Renewal of Catholicism (2015). Dr Gaillardetz received the Sophia Award from the Washington Theological Union in 2000 for theological excellence in service of ministry and the Yves Congar Award for theological excellence from Barry University in 2018.  He served as president of the Catholic Theological Society of America in 2013-14.