The Rhine flows into the Tiber

the long version

The author contends that the Council was a struggle between the forces of the Rhine and the forces of the Tiber -- that, between the cardinals, bishops and theologians of the countries of the Rhine (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Belgium) and the officials of the Roman Curia and their supporters. He covers the behind-the-scenes negotiations; the emergence of national blocs; the roles of John XXIII and Paul VI; the influence of the American bishops; the great debates and documents.