“We all owe something" to the Council, the documents of which "have not lost their relevance with the passing of time; actually they turn out to be particularly relevant to the new reqyirements of the Church and of the current global society". This was written by the Pope in a message he sent today to the International Conference on "Vatican II in John Paul II’s papacy", taking place in Rome until October 30th. "John Paul II goes on Benedict XVI’s message, that was read when opening the meeting practically incorporated, in every one of his documents and even more in all his choices and in his behaviour as a Pontiff, the fundamental requirements of the Second Ecumenical Vatican Council, thus becoming its qualified witness. He was always keen on making everyone know what benefits might come from endorsing the council’s view, not only for the good of the Church but also for society and for the people within it”. For the council’s fathers too, concludes Benedict XVI, "the ultimate purpose of all the individual elements of the renewal of the Church was leading to the living God who revealed Himself in Jesus Christ”.
