This second volume of The History of Vatican II describes the dramatic first session of the Council as it was electrified by Pope John XXIII's inspiring and liberating speech. It tells the story of how the bishops repudiated the doctrinal texts they had been expected to rubber stamp and gave overwhelming approval of the call to reform the church. Volume II describes the main protagonists, the issues at stake in the debates, and the gradual emergence and triumph of the desire for spiritual renewal and pastoral reform. It concludes with a study of the Council's agenda, an agenda that permitted this desire to become effective in subsequent sessions.