Abstract
Abstract Pius IX’s decision to convoke an Ecumenical Council had a long period of gestation. It seems that Cardinal Lambruschini had mentioned this possibility as early as 181-9, as a response to the extraordinary needs of the times. Still, it was not until December 1864 that Pius IX informed the Curial cardinals of his intention of calling a General Council, an idea, he said, which had been in his mind for a long time. The cardinals expressed their favorable opinion, and the wheels of the machinery to prepare the Council were soon set in motion. In March 1865 the newly set up ‘Congregation for the Future Council’ started acting on its own suggestion of preparing, in draft form, the schemata to be discussed. The first step was to consult bishops all over the World about the matters that they con¬ side red should be addressed by the forthcoming Council, and in the following months, letters were sent to the bishops selected for the purpose. The original list did not include any English-speaking bishop among those to be consulted.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
