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How many documents did the Second Vatican Council produce?

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Pope Paul VI stands behind microphones with both arms raised, wearing white papal robes and glasses, during a public appearance in Geneva. — St. Paul VI In 1968 Pope Paul VI appeared in Geneva to address the International Labour Organization on the 50th anniversary of its founding.

The Second Vatican Council (1962–65) produced 16 documents in total. These documents, which were enacted by the council fathers, introduced significant modernizing changes to the Roman Catholic Church in accordance with the theme of aggiornamento (bringing up to date).1

The collection includes four constitutions, nine decrees, and three declarations. Key examples include:1

Constitutions: Such as the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen gentium) and the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum concilium), which authorized the use of vernacular languages in the mass.21
Decrees: Documents addressing practical matters such as the pastoral duties of bishops, ecumenism, and the ministry of priests.1
Declarations: Including the landmark document Nostra aetate, which addressed the church's relationship with non-Christian religions and condemned antisemitism.21

Pope Paul VI guided the final three sessions of the council and was responsible for implementing these decisions following its conclusion on December 8, 1965.13