Cardinal Dulles discusses Pope Benedict XVI's views on Vatican II

BRONX, N.Y. (CNS) -- Cardinal Avery Dulles said Oct. 25 that Pope Benedict XVI differs in significant ways from Pope John Paul II in his view of the Second Vatican Council, but added that both would agree that it has been "seriously misinterpreted." The council, he said, "needs to be understood in conformity with the constant teaching of the church." "The true spirit of the council is to be found in, and not apart from, the letter" of the council texts, Cardinal Dulles said. "When rightly interpreted, the documents of Vatican II can still be a powerful source of renewal for the church." Cardinal Dulles made the comments in his annual McGinley lecture, which took place this year at Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx. The cardinal is the Laurence J. McGinley professor of religion and society at Jesuit-run Fordham University.