POPE BENEDICT XVI
Bishops leaving St . Peter ’ s The Council Fathers
Dr . Eduardo Echeverria
The recent death of Joseph Ratzinger / Benedict XVI ( 1927-2022 ) has once again drawn attention to the question regarding the causes of the Second Vatican Council ’ s ( 1962- 1965 ) mixed reception . Throughout the council ’ s sessions , Ratzinger reflected on its troubling reception , which he summarized in his book Theological Highlights of Vatican II ( 1966 ). He continued 10 years later in 1975 with an essay in his book Principles of Catholic Theology ( 1982 ), particularly addressing the question of the council ’ s proper reception . shms . edu 13