Vatican 1 and Vatican 2 are names given to consecutive ecumenical councils that took place in the 19th and 20th centuries to clarify the relationship between the Roman Church and the rest of the world. These two councils can be considered as a continuum rather than focusing on their contradictions. It is true that more progressive individuals have manipulated Vatican 2 in much the same way as more conservative individuals had manipulated Vatican 1. After Vatican 1, it took generations to fully understand the implications of the clarifications put forward, and so is the case with Vatican 2. Let’s take a closer look at the two Vatican Councils.
The two councils were held almost 100 years apart and under two different Popes: Pope Pious IX ratified Vatican 1, while Pope Paul VI ratified Vatican 2. The first ecumenical council of the Catholic Church was cut short by a war, so it is prudent to consider Vatican 2 as a continuation of the explanations put forward in Vatican 1. Christians all over the world are required to give their assent to all the teachings and obey all the disciplinary rules the church has put forward during our lifetimes.
Vatican 1 is famous for the principle of Papal infallibility, and because of this doctrine, it is impossible to contradict the doctrines of the other council as well. Both Vatican 1 and 2 produced many documents that were, in fact, restated documents drawn from ancient doctrines of the church, which is the depository of the faith. Vatican 2 was longer and produced more documents, ostensibly because the Christian population had increased manifold by the time it took place (1963-65). Both councils, however, laid down disciplinary rules for the governance of the Church in modern times.
Key Takeaways
- Vatican 1 was held in 1869-1870, while Vatican 2 was held in 1963-1965.
- Vatican 1 is famous for the doctrine of Papal infallibility and the triumph of Ultramontanists.
- Vatican 2 is longer of the two and produced many more documents than Vatican 1.
