The Press at Vatican II: The Contribution of Father Edward Heston, CSC

While historical and theological aspects of Vatican II have been addressed in numerous monographs and articles over the 50 years since the Council’s conclusion, scholarship on the work of the press at Vatican II has seen little attention. At the outset of the Council, the press remained in a rather shadowy existence, due in large measure to an historical divide between the church and the press. However, at Vatican II, especially in sessions two, three, and four, a new, more open attitude toward the press emerged. For the English-speaking world this new opportunity to enlighten the world about the ongoing events at the Council was spearheaded by Father Edward Heston, CSC. A Holy Cross priest with years of service in Rome and command of Italian and Latin, Heston was an excellent choice to head up the English-speaking Vatican press office. Through daily briefings and bulletins he served in large measure as the voice of Vatican II for millions of people worldwide, as many reporters, even non-English speakers, utilized his clear, well organized, and highly informative daily bulletins as a principal source for the articles they wrote. Thus, Heston’s story and contribution brings greater enlightenment to an aspect of the Council that has been heretofore largely unknown.