Abstract

The liturgical reform is the most visible fruit of Vatican II. Such a statement was uttered by bishops from all over the world, upon the conclusion of the 1985 Holy Synod, which assessed the first 20 years of application of the directives provided by the Second Vatican Council. Without the slightest doubt, this liturgical reform has also had a significant impact on the concrete life of the Church, especially when it comes to celebrating the Eucharist. But the assessment of such impact has not been unanimous. The following article provides a general view on the foundations of the liturgical reform, as expressed in Sacrosanctum concilium constitution and in its main precedents, as well as a consideration on its theological and ecclesiological consequences, and also on the challenges suggested by a critic perspective represented by Joseph Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI.