Cardinal Bea had been commissioned by Pope John XXIII to write the "Decree on the Jews", which was completed in November 1961.

He was also a Protestant observer during the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) during which he staged a public dialogue with Cardinal Bea in Geneva.

After thus consulting Cardinal Bea, the Pope decided not to disinvite the observers.

Cardinal Bea led the party of 15 cardinals that presented the relic to Bishop Constantine of Patras on 24 September 1964.

Cardinal Bea was impressed with the book and later wrote that he found the Poem of the Man God "not only interesting and pleasing, but truly edifying".

It was not until two years later that, on 5 April 1962, Cardinal Bea was appointed a bishop: the Titular Archbishop of Germania in Numidia.

Cardinal Bea died from a bronchial infection in Rome, at age 87.

In presenting the document to the Council on 28 September 1964, Cardinal Bea encouraged the Council Fathers to strengthen it.

He was supported by Cardinal Bea.

Cardinal Bea had later to point out firmly that it did not apply in the East.