Christian Cyclopedia

Many RC councils were held at the Lateran* beginning 313. Those of 1123, 1139, 1179, 1215, and 1512–17 are traditionally called Lateran Councils.

412 abps. and bps. and 800 or more abbots and priors attended Lateran Council IV 1215; concerns included recovery of the Holy Land (see Crusades, 7), ch. reform, and condemnation of doctrines of Albigenses,* Cathari,* and Waldenses*; noteworthy also for definitive doctrine of transubstantiation* and for legislation on annual confession and Communion.

Average attendance at Lateran Council V 1512–17 was ca. 100–150; approved Leo X's (see Popes, 20) 1516 bull Pastor aeternus, which abolished the Pragmatic* Sanction of Bourges and declared the pope superior to councils; approved strict censorship of publications; confirmed Unam* sanctam. See also Agapetae; Councils and Synods, 4; Inquisition, 3.