The most significant event in the life of the Church in the modern era, the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), was summoned by Pope Saint John XXIII to help the Church proclaim the eternal truths of the Faith in a way that the modern world would be able to comprehend. While shrouded at times in controversy because of the struggles that were faced in implementing its documents, the Council remains an essential area of study for all Catholics, especially the true history of its deliberations, the content of its documents, and the task of applying its call for authentic renewal and reform.