Conciliarism

Conciliarism is a belief in the Roman Catholic Church that emphasizes the authority of church councils over that of the pope. It emerged as a response to issues like papal authority, corruption, and the need for reform. Conciliarists argue that a general council, representing clergy and laity, can make important decisions about doctrine and governance, potentially even overriding the pope in certain matters. This idea gained traction particularly during the 14th to 16th centuries, as councils were seen as a way to address crises in the Church, including the Great Schism and the calls for reform.