be authoritative definitions of the Roman Catholic faith [884, 891]. Their place in Roman Catholic theology can be seen in the new Catechism of the Catholic Church, which cites these councils over a thousand times. Most of these references are to the last three councils: the Council of Trent (1545–1563), the First Vatican Council (1869–1870), and the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965).4 Popes have published numerous official papers down through the centuries. Most clarify doctrines