Church Document
Fourth Council of the Lateran
Ecumenical Council · 1215
The twelfth ecumenical council (1215), convened by Innocent III, is among the most important of the Middle Ages. It used the term 'transubstantiation' of the Eucharist and required the faithful to confess and receive Communion at least once a year (the Easter duty).
Key themes
Transubstantiation
Easter duty (annual confession and Communion)
Church reform
Document type
Council document
Issuing authority
Catholic Church
Issued date
1215