The second Vatican Council was convened by Pope John XXIII between 1962 and 1965. It marked a fundamental shift towards the modern Church, and many of the rules and practices established in the 16th century at Trent collapsed and were replaced. In this book a distinguished team of Catholic scholars offers a close examination of the full nature and scope of these changes. Each contributor offers an impartial investigation of a particular issue. Included are chapters on such topics as scripture and tradition, priestly formation, women, popular devotion, canon law, church music, marriage, and the universal catechism. The first book to present a comprehensive overview of the relationship between the two great Councils, this will be an invaluable resource for students and scholars of theology and ecclesiastical history, as well as for bishops, priests, and ministers.