Counciliarism

Conciliarism was a medieval church movement that believed major Church decisions should be made collectively by councils of bishops and church leaders, rather than solely by the Pope. It emerged during periods of papal crisis, asserting that these councils held supreme authority to address church issues, discipline, and reform. The movement aimed to check papal power and promote church unity and reform through shared governance. While influential in the 15th century, it ultimately diminished as papal authority was reaffirmed, emphasizing that the pope alone holds the highest authority in church matters.