At Vatican II, and indeed even before Vatican II, internationally recognized theologians had the right to publish their findings without fear of being 'silenced'.  During Vatican II, many bishops had the opportunity for the first time since their seminary days, to take advantage of the recent developments in theology, biblical studies, and church history.  They met in the evenings for lectures with eminent scholars as Karl Rahner, Piet Fransen, and Barnabas Ahern.  So threatening was the influence of these theologians on the bishops that Cardinal Ottaviani petitioned John XXIII to have the Jesuits at the Biblical Institute cease giving lectures to groups of bishops.
The pope asked who it was that invited these theologians to speak.  When told that the bishops themselves invited the theologians to speak, Pope John XXIII said that he would not interfere in the legitimate right of anyone to be become better informed.

Both JP II and Benedict should have followed John XXIII's advice.