This book, The Second Vatican Council and the Triumph of Neo-Modernism in the Catholic Church, explores the profound theological and cultural shifts within the Catholic Church in the wake of the Second Vatican Council (1962?1965). The Council, called by Pope John XXIII, aimed to renew and update the Church's relationship with the modern world through a process of aggiornamento (updating). This vision, however, became the catalyst for intense debates within the Church, particularly between those who embraced the Council's reforms and those who feared that they undermined traditional Catholic teachings.
The book traces the development of neo-modernism, a theological movement that sought to reinterpret Catholic doctrine in light of contemporary philosophy, human experience, and historical consciousness. Neo-modernism became a dominant influence during and after Vatican II, shaping the Council's documents on the liturgy, ecclesiology, ecumenism, and the Church's engagement with modern society. While the Council's reforms were seen by many as necessary and progressive, they also led to significant challenges in preserving doctrinal continuity and liturgical tradition.
The rise of neo-modernism is contrasted with the traditionalist response, which viewed Vatican II as a departure from the Church's sacred liturgical and doctrinal heritage. Traditionalist movements, such as the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), rejected key aspects of the Council, particularly its liturgical reforms and ecumenical outreach. Meanwhile, other traditionalist groups, supported by Pope Benedict XVI's Summorum Pontificum, have remained in communion with Rome while upholding the Tridentine Mass and pre-conciliar traditions.
The book also examines the papacies of Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, each of whom navigated the post-conciliar Church in different ways, balancing the influence of neo-modernism with the preservation of Catholic orthodoxy. Pope Francis' emphasis on pastoral care, mercy, and synodality is explored as part of the ongoing tension between reformist and traditionalist elements within the Church.
Finally, the book addresses the broader crisis of Catholic identity, focusing on the challenges of maintaining doctrinal clarity, liturgical integrity, and moral authority in a rapidly secularizing world. The conflict between neo-modernism and traditionalism remains one of the most defining issues for the Church in the 21st century, as it seeks to remain faithful to its mission while engaging with contemporary societal and cultural changes.
This study provides a comprehensive overview of the key theological, liturgical, and cultural battles that have defined the post-Vatican II Church, offering insights into the ongoing struggle to reconcile modernity with Catholic tradition.
