Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has described the Second Vatican Council as the enduring “North Star” of the Catholic Church, urging Catholics across the world to rediscover the Council’s teachings and apply them to the challenges of modern society. In a series of catecheses that began on January 7, the Pope has reflected on the key documents of Vatican II, presenting them as a living guide for faith, justice, peace and human dignity.
Pope explained that his decision to begin the catechetical series came from the awareness that many people who directly experienced the Council are no longer alive. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the “prophecy” of Vatican II does not fade away, but continues to inspire the Church today. Rather than relying on second hand interpretations, Pope Leo encouraged believers to return directly to the Council documents themselves and reflect deeply on their meaning.
The Second Vatican Council, held from 1962 to 1965, remains one of the most important events in modern Church history. According to Pope Leo, its teachings continue to help the Church understand the changes and struggles of the modern world while remaining faithful to the Gospel. He said the Church must continue to approach humanity with openness, compassion and hope.
So far, Pope has devoted fourteen catecheses to two major Vatican II constitutions: Dei Verbum, on divine revelation, and Lumen gentium, on the nature and mission of the Church. Speaking about Dei Verbum, he called it one of the Council’s most beautiful and significant documents because it reminds Christians that God continues to speak to humanity and invite people into friendship with Him.
Pope Leo reflected strongly on the humanity of Jesus Christ, saying that Christ’s earthly life fully reveals the mystery of God. He noted that Jesus’ birth, teachings, suffering, death and resurrection show humanity the face of the Father. Pope also warned against two dangers in reading Scripture. One is a rigid fundamentalist approach that ignores historical and literary context. The other is reducing Scripture to a merely human text without recognizing its divine origin.
In his reflections on Lumen gentium, Pope Leo described the Church as a sign of unity and reconciliation in a world marked by division and conflict. He insisted that the Church has a duty to defend the poor, exploited and suffering, and to reject anything that attacks human dignity. Pope said Christians must become witnesses of justice, peace and charity in everyday life.
Pope also emphasized the need for continual renewal within the Church itself. While recognizing the importance of Church structures and institutions, he said they must always remain faithful to Christ’s mission through conversion, reform and renewal. He further highlighted the role of the laity, saying their mission extends beyond Church buildings into society, where they are called to witness to Christian values through their actions and commitment to peace and justice.
Returning frequently to the universal call to holiness, Pope Leo reminded the faithful that holiness is not reserved for a few individuals but is the vocation of every Christian. He encouraged believers to live lives marked by faith, love and service, even amid the difficulties and uncertainties of the modern world.