Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
PLENARY COUNCIL
A formal meeting of the archbishops and bishops of a country or region under the leadership of a papal legate, who would decide matters to be considered and ratify the council's decrees. The decrees are binding on all the faithful under the jurisdiction of the bishops assembled. In the Church's history the decisions of some plenary councils were later extended to the universal Church. (Etym. Latin plenus, full.)
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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