A legally convened assembly of ecclesiastical dignitaries and theological experts representing the entire Church for the purpose of discussing, defining, and regulating matters of Church doctrine and discipline. The members of the council cannot act independently of the Supreme Pontiff, who presides over the assembly in person or by delegate; and no decree has binding force until it is confirmed by him.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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