`titrebThe hermeneutics of Vatican II. Reflections on the hidden face of a debate`/titrebIn 2003, three francophone universities joined forces to pursue a research project on the theological hermeneutics of Vatican II. The creation of this inter-university group was based on the conviction that the future of Catholicism will be played out especially on the interpretation which will be given of the council. The goal was not to define or promote any position, nor to establish some “school” concerning the issue. The project sprang firstly from an observation about a shift in research in the field of conciliar hermeneutics, that paralleled the use of hermeneutics as an arm by those who wished to oppose the council. More fundamentally, what is at stake in this debate is the notion of tradition and the development of doctrine. Hence, study of the hermeneutics of the council today must encourage theologians to undertake in-depth work on these issues.