Vatican Councils

Vatican Councils are major gatherings of Catholic Church leaders, called by the Pope, to address important spiritual, doctrinal, and organizational issues. They help clarify Church teachings, respond to societal changes, and guide the faithful. Notable councils include the First Vatican (1869-70), which defined papal authority, and Vatican II (1962-65), which modernized many Church practices and emphasized engagement with the modern world. These councils shape the Church’s beliefs, policies, and relations with society, serving as key moments of theological development and renewal.