What was a primary focus of the Second Vatican Council?

The primary focus of the Second Vatican Council was to engage with the modern world, which reflects a significant shift in the Catholic Church's approach to contemporary issues and relationships with society at large. This engagement aimed to address the challenges and changes brought about by modernity, such as secularism, pluralism, and rapid social change.

The Council sought to promote dialogue between the Church and the wider world, emphasizing the importance of understanding contemporary culture, fostering unity among different Christian denominations, and encouraging active participation of the laity in Church life. This engagement was evident in the documents produced by the Council, such as Gaudium et Spes, which addressed issues like human dignity, social justice, and the role of the Church in the modern world.

While traditional practices, sacramental clarification, and strengthening monastic life are aspects of the Church's ongoing mission, they were not central themes of the Second Vatican Council's agenda. Instead, the Council's broader vision prioritized a renewed relationship with the world to make the Church's message relevant and impactful in the context of modern society.