Many Catholics agree that the reforms of the Vatican II Council were often misinterpreted and implemented in haste. Fr. Joseph Ratzinger was present during all four hearings of Vatican II as a theological advisor and contributed to the Council’s writings. He has tapped into this experience as pope to correct some of the confusion and doubt that has arisen in the last 50 years from ambiguous or erroneous Vatican II interpretations.

In a recent address to the priests of the diocese of Rome, the pontiff challenged the Church leaders to continue to seek the true spirit of Vatican II. “It is our task to work so that the true Council, with the power of the Holy Spirit, is realized and the Church is really renewed.”