Pre-Vatican (1940s WWII to Vatican II (1965) By 1Isabella Jan 25, 1959 Pope John XXIII Announces his Intention to Call the 21st Ecumenical Council Dec 25, 1961 Pope John XXIII formally summons the council Oct 11, 1962 First Session of the Council Convenes (16 Commissions Created) Nov 11, 1962 Third Session Closes, 3 Documents Approved Dec 8, 1962 The First Session Closes. None of the Originally Drafted Documents Were Approved Jun 3, 1963 Pope John XXIII Dies Jun 21, 1963 Pope Paul VI is Elected Pope Sep 29, 1963 The Second Session of the Council Convenes Dec 4, 1963 Second Session Closes, 2 Documents Approved Sep 8, 1964 Women Admitted to Council Meetings Sep 14, 1964 Third Session Begins Sep 14, 1965 Pope VI Establishes the Synod of Bishops Dec 6, 1965 Pope Paul VI Announces a Major Reform of Roman Curia Dec 6, 1965 Vatican II Closes Dec 7, 1965 Pope Paul VI Removes Excommunication of Eastern Patriach