The Bull of Indiction of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council

The papal bull Humanae salutis was released on December 25, 1961 by Pope John XXIII and officially called for the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). In this document, the Pope emphasized the need for a renewal of the Church in order to meet the challenges of the modern world. He called for a spiritual awakening and emphasized the unity of Christians and the importance of dialogue with the world. The bull emphasized the pastoral orientation of the Council and its goal of adapting the Church to changing social conditions. Humanae salutis marked the beginning of one of the most important reform phases of the Catholic Church in the 20th century, which resulted in far-reaching changes in liturgy, ecumenism and the Church's self-image. In keeping with the broad aspirations of the Council, the title page is not only decorated with the papal coat of arms, but also shows the four evangelist symbols in a border of plants with Christian symbolism.