Collegiality was one of the great themes of the Second Vatican Council. It was the term used to describe the common responsibility of all bishops for the good of the Church. The recognition of this common task was matched at the Council by a parallel recognition of the common responsibility of priests within a diocese and of the common responsibility of all, lay, religious, and clergy, within a parish, within a diocese, within the worldwide Church.

This book by Bishop Tagle tells the story of how Paul VI dealt with the question of collegiality during the dramatic days of Vatican II. The work is based upon broad and deep reading not only of published sources but of archival materials as well. By the intelligence, sensitivity, and balance displayed in it, this work makes a very important contribution to the assessment of the pontificate of Paul VI and of the history of Vatican II, but it will also enable readers to gain a deeper and broader understanding of issues still vital to the Church today.

Fr. Joseph Komonchak