What is the fourth lateran council?

The Fourth Lateran Council, convened by Pope Innocent III in 1215, was one of the most significant ecumenical councils of the Middle Ages. It addressed various issues within the Church, including the reform of clerical conduct, the standardization of Church teachings, and the establishment of the doctrine of transubstantiation. The council also emphasized the importance of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, and mandated annual confession for the faithful. Its decrees had a lasting impact on the structure and practices of the Catholic Church.