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Institute for Human Ecology Hosts Discussion on the Legacy of Vatican II

Institute for Human Ecology Executive Director and Ordinary Professor of Moral Theology Joseph Capizzi (L) and bestselling author and public intellectual George Weigel.

 蜜桃社鈥檚 (IHE) hosted New York Times best-selling author and commentator George Weigel to discuss his new book . The lecture and book signing was held at Heritage Hall in Father O'Connell Hall on Jan. 26 and on YouTube. 

University President Dr. Peter Kilpatrick welcomed Weigel to the event, saying that To Sanctify the World was a joy to read and 鈥渙ne of the best鈥 books he has read about the Council. Weigel is a of Saint Pope John Paul II and has written more than 20 books. He is Distinguished Senior Fellow and William E. Simon Chair in Catholic Studies at the in Washington, DC.

IHE Executive Director and Ordinary Professor of Moral Theology began the conversation by asking Weigel, who is a longtime friend of the Institute, about why he wrote the book. 

To Sanctify the World was published October 2022, which marked the 60th anniversary of the opening of The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). The Council is credited with shaping the modern Catholic Church, but its intention, interpretation, and implementation remains hotly contested among many of the faithful. Weigel said he saw a need to explain the enduring significance of the Council鈥檚 true teachings and said that the 鈥renewal of the Church by returning to the biblical and patristic roots of the Church was necessary.鈥 

鈥淭he Council addressed the burning question: 鈥榃hat is the human person?鈥 by putting Christocentricity back into the heart of Catholicism,鈥 said Weigel, who said the book explores how the Council is in continuity with the history of the Church and noted that 鈥渆very Council in the history of the church was preceded by controversy, conducted by controversy, and followed by controversy.鈥  

Weigel said the pontificates of Saint John Paul II and Benedict XVI, both of whom contributed to Vatican II, are key to understanding the meaning of the Council. Weigel said that the recent passing of Benedict XVI marked an 鈥渆nd of an era.鈥 

"We really did mark the end of an era."

Listen to George Weigel's thoughts on Pope Benedict's life & legacy following last night's event on Weigel's new book, 'To Sanctify the World: The Vital Legacy of Vatican II'. 猡碉笍

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