Pope John XXIII surprised the world by announcing his intention to convene a new council. In 1962 his intent came alive and the council had its beginning. By ecumenical initiative of Pope John XXIII was created the Secretariat for Christian Unity Cardinal Augustin Bea led by this department formed a group of non-Catholic theologians who would assist in the work of the Council. They were called to the Vatican observers. In this group there were theologians of the Eastern Churches, Methodist, Lutheran, Reformed, Calvinist, Quaker, among others. Among non-Catholics, especially the work of the Lutheran Oscar Cullmann who also was honored by Pope Paul VI for his services and Karl Barth, invited by John XXIII but unfortunately was unable to attend due to health problems, however, in 1966 Barth He visited the Vatican and could meet Hans Küng, Ratzinger and the Paul VI himself. It was very important ecumenical work of the Council, especially through the Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity and the important contribution made by non-Catholic observers, all this effort represented advances for dialogue between different churches and their relationship later.