Paul VI was a favorite candidate to replace Pope John, and won election easily. He led the Second Vatican Council to a close, and worked for the rest of his career implementing its new decisions, which included a modified liturgy, a clarified description of church hierarchy, and overtures of brotherhood to other non-catholic Christians.

But Paul might be considered important solely for his stand against birth control. While the church had already spoken against artificial means, the new popularity of 'the pill' caused many to expect new relaxed, standards. Paul began a commission to study the matter, and its decision surprised many people. The lasting effects of this decision - and the dissent that came with it - still plagues the church today.