The Second Vatican Council, also known as Vatican II, was held from October 11, 1962, to December 8, 1965. It was the 21st ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic Church, convened by Pope John XXIII with the aim of spiritual renewal and modernization of the Church to better connect with the contemporary world. The Council took place in four sessions over these years in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, producing significant documents that led to numerous changes in Church doctrine and practices.