Councils

Council of Trent

A major 16th-century ecumenical council convened by Pope Paul III to address issues of Church reform and affirm Catholic doctrine.

Sola Scriptura

The Protestant belief that Scripture alone is the basis for faith and practice, which was negated by the Council of Trent.

Seven Sacraments

The Catholic Church reaffirms the necessity of the seven sacraments through both Scripture and Tradition.

Papal Authority

The Council of Trent confirmed that the Pope is the head of the Church on Earth.

Jesuits

A new priestly order formed during the Counter Reformation aimed at education, missions, and defending the faith.

Ignatius of Loyola

The founder of the Jesuits and author of the 'Spiritual Exercises'.

Infallibility

The doctrine that the Church, through the Pope, is preserved from error when defining doctrines of faith and morals.

Vatican I

The First Vatican Council that defined papal infallibility and discussed various theological issues.

Aggiornamento

The term meaning 'updating,' which refers to the Church's renewal and engagement with the modern world.

Nostra Aetate

A Vatican II document promoting interfaith dialogue and ecumenism.

Lumen Gentium

A Vatican II document focusing on the nature of the Church and its mission.

Gaudium et Spes

A Vatican II document discussing the Church's relationship with the modern world and societal progress.

The People of God

The concept articulated during Vatican II, emphasizing the community of believers led by the Spirit of God.

Pilgrim Church

The evolving perspective of the Church as a community journeying towards the fulfillment of God's Kingdom.

Holocaust

The systematic extermination of six million Jews during WWII, which prompted the need for interfaith dialogue.

Ecumenism

Efforts aimed at promoting unity among different Christian denominations, especially emphasized in the wake of WWII.

Spiritual Exercises

A set of meditations and prayers developed by Ignatius of Loyola to deepen one's faith and connection to God.