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Definition:
The papal palace in Rome is called the Lateran Palace because, in ancient times,
the site was owned and occupied by the Laterani family. Five different Ecumenical
Councils have been held there during the Middle Ages.
First Lateran Council:
The First Lateran Council was in 1123 and is treated by the Roman Catholic Church
as the tenth ecumenical council. Attended by over 300 bishops, it confirmed the
Treaty of Worms which ended the Investiture Conflict.
Second Lateran Council:
The Second Lateran Council, also known as the tenth ecumenical council, was in
1139 and resulted in the excommunication of Roger of Sicily and a number of
bishops who had been appointed by an anti-pope. Decisions reached by the council
included a condemnation of usury and the study by monks of medicine and civil law.
Third Lateran Council:
The Third Lateran Council was held in 1179 and is considered in the West to be
the eleventh ecumenical council. It was called by Pope Innocent II in order to
settle various political conflicts between the Vatican and Frederick I of
Germany. Among the reforms promoted by the council was the requirement
that a pope needs a two-thirds majority of cardinals in order to be elected.
Fourth Lateran Council:
The Fourth Lateran Council, also known as the twelfth ecumenical council, was in
1215, during which the meaning and use of the term transubstantiation was
finalized and requiring that Catholics receive the Eucharist at Easter with
excommunication being the penalty for those who disobeyed. This council made the
first official use of the term "transubstantiation," with reference to the
Eucharist.
Fifth Lateran Council:
The Fifth Lateran Council was called by Julius II but was only attended mainly by
Italian bishops. It ran from 1512 through 1517 and was used to establish
peaceful relationships among Christian rulers while also calling for more
vigorous military efforts against the Turks.
To learn more, read the Timeline of Christian Councils.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
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