Vatican Council II (Second Vatican Council)

Vatican II, held from 1962 to 1965, was a major gathering of Catholic Church leaders aimed at renewing and updating the Church’s practices and teachings. It sought to foster greater engagement with the modern world, promote dialogue, and improve the Church's relationship with other religions and people of different backgrounds. Key changes included allowing Mass to be celebrated in local languages instead of Latin, encouraging active participation of the laity, and renewing Church emphasis on social justice. Overall, Vatican II aimed to make the Church more accessible, relevant, and responsive to contemporary society while preserving core beliefs.