Optatam totius, the Second Vatican Council's Decree on Priestly Training, was issued during the final year of the Council (which met from 1963 to 1965) and in concerned with priestly vocations and the formation or training of candidates for ordination.Second Vatican Council, Optatam Totius, published on 28 October 1965, accessed on 29 May 2026 It includes a recognition that "priestly training, because of the circumstances particularly of contemporary society, must be pursued and perfected even after the completion of the course of studies in seminaries".
Approved by a vote of 2,318 of the bishops assembled at the council in favour, and 3 opposed, the decree was promulgated by Pope Paul VI on 28 October 1965. The Latin title refers to "the desired renewal of the whole Church".
Its publication was followed some weeks later by Presbyterorum Ordinis, the Council's decree on the ministry and life of priests.Second Vatican Council, Decree on the Life and Ministry of Priests (Presbyterorum Ordinis), published on 7 December 1965, accessed on 11 September 2026
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