The newly elected Pope John XXIII called for an ecumenical council to spiritually renew the church and open the way for its unification with all Christians. He said that developments in science and technology, the effects of economic prosperity, and the growing secularization of society had created a spiritual crisis. The solution lay not in renewed condemnation of errors but in applying “the medicine of mercy.” His conciliatory attitude set the tone for the conference.

Salem Press Encyclopedia, 2022. 2p.