Papal Wednesday audiences - now a familiar feature of the Church’s weekly rhythm - trace their origins to Pope Pius XII beginning in 1939. The outbreak of World War II, however, forced the suspension of this practice. The tradition was later revived by Pope St. John XXIII, who broadened the focus so that the audiences became general catechetical moments.

Over time, it has become customary for each pope to select a theme to explore across a sequence of Wednesday audiences. Many of these teachings pass quietly for most Catholics, but some have had a far-reaching impact. The most notable example is the series delivered by Pope St. John Paul II, which later came to be known collectively as the Theology of the Body. Indeed, many who are familiar with the Theology of the Body may not realize that its origins lie in these weekly addresses, delivered between 1979 and 1984.

Most recently, Pope Leo XIV announced that the theme of his current cycle of Wednesday audiences will be the Second Vatican Council. The choice is timely, as December 8, 2025, marked the sixtieth anniversary of the Council’s conclusion.

Although Vatican II is frequently discussed, it remains one of the most debated and often misunderstood councils in Church history. This new catechetical series therefore offers the pope - early in his pontificate - a valuable opportunity to help ordinary Catholics engage more deeply with the Council’s documents.

What is especially encouraging is the method Pope Leo intends to take. During his January 7, 2026 audience, he explained: “It will be important to get to know [the Second Vatican Council] again closely, and to do so not through ‘hearsay’ or interpretations that have been given, but by rereading its documents and reflecting on their content.”