Editing Pope Paul VI (section)

====Third and fourth sessions====
Paul VI opened the third period on 14 September 1964, telling the Council Fathers that he viewed the text about the Church as the most important document to come out from the council. As the Council discussed the role of bishops in the papacy, Paul VI issued an [[Nota Praevia|explanatory note]] confirming the primacy of the papacy, a step that was viewed by some as meddling in the council's affairs.{{Sfn|Franzen|1988|p=423}} American bishops pushed for a speedy resolution on religious freedom, but Paul VI insisted this be approved together with related texts on topics such as [[ecumenism]].<ref name="Franzen 424">{{harvnb|Franzen|1988|p=424}}</ref> The Pope concluded the session on 21 November 1964 with the formal pronouncement of Mary as [[Mother of the Church]].<ref name="Franzen 424"/>

Between the third and fourth sessions, the Pope announced reforms in the areas of [[Roman Curia]], revision of [[Canon law]], regulations for [[interfaith marriage]]s, and [[birth control]] issues. He opened the council's final session, concelebrating with bishops from countries where the Church was persecuted. Several texts proposed for his approval had to be changed, but all were finally agreed upon. The council was concluded on 8 December 1965: the [[Feast of the Immaculate Conception]].<ref name="Franzen 424"/>

In the council's final session, Paul VI announced that he would open the canonisation processes of his immediate predecessors: Pope Pius XII and Pope John XXIII.