1311–1312 · Vienne
Council of Vienne
Why this council matters
Vienne must be understood against intense political pressure, particularly in the case of the Knights Templar. The measures concerning that order are not a substitute for examining the evidence and procedure of the controversy.
The council also treated doctrine, religious life and reform. Its teaching concerning the soul and body belongs to Catholic understanding of the human person. Read the relevant constitution rather than assuming that the most famous political event exhausts the council’s significance.
Read and investigate
The constitutions and related documents are available through an external primary edition.
Controversies
The Templar controversy, reform and questions of doctrine and religious life.
Decrees
Addressed the Templars and issued constitutions on a variety of ecclesiastical matters.
Definitions
Among its doctrinal matters was the relationship of the rational soul to the human body.