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National Catholic Register

‘Dignitatis Humanae’ at 60: Vatican II’s Decisive Stand for Religious Freedom

Bishops from around the world gather Oct. 11, 1962, in St. Peter's Basilica for the opening of the Second Vatican Council.

COMMENTARY: The early history of the landmark document manifests the significant doctrinal development, which led the Catholic Church to proclaim the vital importance of religious liberty for modern society.

The Daring 1965 Bishops’ Letter That Enraged Communists — and Helped Heal a Wounded Europe

Zajezdnia Historic Center and National Digital Archives.
The Polish bishops letter was authored by Archbishop Bolesław Kominek of Wroclaw (center), sitting in 1966 next to Archbishop Karol Wojtyła of Krakow on the left, who reviewed and edited versions of the letter. Salesian Archbishop Antoni Baraniak of Poznań shown on the right.

Signed by 36 Polish bishops at the Second Vatican Council, the letter sought to break cycles of vengeance by embracing the Gospel’s mandate to forgive.

Good Listening Begins With Good Silence

Book cover of ‘Simple Steps to a Stronger Marriage’ by Dr. Ray Guarendi

An excerpt from ‘Simple Steps to a Stronger Marriage’ by Dr. Ray Guarendi