How Did Pope John Xxiiii Impact On Christianity

Conflict and discord defined Europe during the time period following World War II. Many people were struggling to survive and the dynamics of public interactions and relations were disjointed—no one was in unison. The Church recognized this problem of disunion not just within secular society, but also within the Christian faiths. Pope John XXIII sought out to mend these conflicts both in Christianity and in society. Thus, he convoked a new council that he would later name, the Second Vatican Council. Gaudium et spes was issued at the closing of the council and addressed the problems currently dividing society; it stressed a need for a family structure with a primary concern for service, both within Christianity and among the entire human race. In 1945, after World War II ended, Europe was left in
He reflected on the impacts previous councils had on the lives of Christians the aspects of these councils that paved the way for union among communities. The First Vatican Council, which took place on December 6, 1864, had met to address the issues facing the Church as a result of secular modernity—the rise of rationalism, liberalism and materialism. Pope Pius IX closed the church away from modernity and all of its ideas in order to restore the tradition of the church.10 John XXIII came to the conclusion that “the Catholic Church could advance along the road to unity by renewing its own tradition.”11 Consequently, his goals of internal reformation of the Church and communication among all Christian Churches led him to convoke a council. Contrarily, this council opened up the church to contemporary society and its secular ideas, while still renewing the Christian tradition. “The Church scrutinizes the signs of the times and interprets them in the light of the Gospel.”12 Pope John XXIII publicly announced his plan to conduct a new council on January 25,