Sacrosancta

ecclesiastical decree

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July 13, 2026

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The term Sacrosancta refers to a decree issued by the Council of Constance in 1415. This decree asserted that a general council of the church holds superior authority to the pope and can, if necessary, depose him. This theory, known as conciliarism, aimed to limit papal power and had roots in earlier canon law discussions. The Council of Constance invoked this doctrine to resolve the Western Schism by deposing three rival popes and electing a single successor. While the council is recognized by Rome, the Sacrosancta decree itself was not formally approved in its entirety. The decree was later reaffirmed by the Council of Basel and influenced Gallicanism, a French position advocating for restricted papal authority. The First Vatican Council in 1870 explicitly condemned conciliarism.123

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Pragmatic Sanction of Bourges
It approved the decree Sacrosancta of the council, which asserted the supremacy of a council over the pope, and established the “liberties” of the Gallican Church, restricting the rights of the pope and in many cases making his jurisdiction subject to the will of the king. Revoked by Louis…
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It approved the decree Sacrosancta of the council, which asserted the supremacy of a council over the pope, and established the “liberties” of the Gallican Church, restricting the rights of the pope and in many cases making his jurisdiction subject to the will of the king. Revoked by Louis…
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Council of Constance
…and it issued the decree Sacrosancta, affirming that a general council of the church is superior to the pope. It further decreed that frequent councils are essential for the proper government of the church. John XXIII was then captured and deposed. Gregory XII agreed to abdicate, provided that he was…
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…and it issued the decree Sacrosancta, affirming that a general council of the church is superior to the pope. It further decreed that frequent councils are essential for the proper government of the church. John XXIII was then captured and deposed. Gregory XII agreed to abdicate, provided that he was…
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conciliarism
…approved, but not the decree Sacrosancta espousing conciliarism. The faction-ridden Council of Basel, which opened in 1431, reaffirmed Sacrosancta. The theory has continued to live on, and its theses have influenced such doctrines as Gallicanism, a French position that advocated restriction of papal power.
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…approved, but not the decree Sacrosancta espousing conciliarism. The faction-ridden Council of Basel, which opened in 1431, reaffirmed Sacrosancta. The theory has continued to live on, and its theses have influenced such doctrines as Gallicanism, a French position that advocated restriction of papal power.
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