What is the Difference Between Vatican 1 and 2?

The First and Second Vatican Councils, held almost 100 years apart, were two significant ecumenical councils of the Roman Catholic Church. They differed in their approaches to doctrine, practice, and the Church's relationship with the modern world.

Vatican I (1869-1870)

• Held under Pope Pius IX
• Focused on reaffirming the Church's former positions and rejecting modernity
• Famous for the doctrine of Papal infallibility and the triumph of Ultramontanists

Vatican II (1962-1965)

• Held under Pope Paul VI
• Had an attitude of reform, renewal, and dialogue with modernity
• Produced more documents than Vatican I, addressing various aspects of Catholic theology and practice

Some significant theological changes made at Vatican II include:

1. An inclusive doctrine of Soteriology, proposing that non-Christians could still be saved by Christ's death.
2. A new understanding of the nature of revelation, the inerrancy of the Scriptures, and the idea that there are varying extents of revelation.
3. A shift in the Church's view on Judaism, embracing it rather than condemning it.

In contrast, Vatican I focused on defining the doctrine of Papal infallibility and reaffirming the Church's positions against modernity. While both councils produced many documents, Vatican II was longer and produced more documents, reflecting the growth of the Christian population and the need for more extensive guidance in the modern world.

Comparative Table: Vatican 1 vs 2

Here is a table comparing the differences between Vatican I and Vatican II:

Vatican I and Vatican II were ecumenical councils held by the Roman Catholic Church to address different issues and challenges faced by the Church. Vatican I focused on asserting the authority and power of the Church, while Vatican II aimed to modernize the Church and promote unity with other Christian denominations and religions.