AD 1215

Fourth Lateran Council

Reform of clergy and laity, the Albigensian and Waldensian movements, and preparations for a crusade.

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Location
The Lateran Basilica, Rome
Leaders
Pope Innocent III, with more than four hundred bishops and many lay envoys
Issues discussed
  • Doctrinal statements against dualist teaching
  • Pastoral obligations of bishops and priests
Decisions made
  • Required annual confession and Easter communion of the faithful
  • Used the term 'transubstantiated' of the Eucharist for the first time in a conciliar text
  • Imposed discriminatory dress rules on Jews and Muslims
Historical impact
The most influential medieval council for ordinary parish life; several of its measures against religious minorities are today acknowledged as unjust.
Original documents

Sources and References