Abstract

The last edition of the Council journal written by Pericle Felici is a precious source for scholars who want to retrace the history of the Second Vatican Council. The journal describes both Felici's role during the preliminary phase of the Council and his activity as Secretary General of the Council but presents serious gaps in its critical apparatus. Thus it is a useful source in which to observe in particular Felici's attitude as a man of the Curia towards the Second Vatican Council and to understand his doubts and his reluctances concerning the process of renewal initiated by the Council. In this, Felici reveals his profound agreement with various sectors of the Roman Curia as they were obliged to acknowledge that the Council was substantially reshaping their role in the government of the Catholic Church.