Hans Küng as a Modernist at the Second Vatican Council

Abstract

This article examines the role of Hans Küng (1928–2021) as a leading modernist theologian at the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). As the youngest peritus (invited theological expert), Küng significantly influenced the drafting of key documents, particularly in ecclesiology and ecumenism. The author analyzes the evolution of Küng's views – from active participation in conciliar debates to his radical criticism of papal infallibility, which ultimately led to the revocation of his authorization to teach as a Catholic theologian. Special attention is given to Küng's controversial legacy: while his ideas contributed to the renewal of Catholic theology, their extreme radicalism provoked conflict with Church hierarchy. The study demonstrates that Küng became emblematic of the central tension of the Second Vatican Council – the balance between reformist potential and doctrinal boundaries.