What is the term for the gathering of all bishops with the Pope?

What is the term for the gathering of all bishops with the Pope?

• A. Synod
• B. General Assembly
• C. Ecumenical Council
• D. Conference

Answer: (C)

A worldwide gathering of all bishops with the Pope is called an ecumenical council. The term ecumenical comes from a Greek word meaning the whole inhabited world, signaling that it brings together bishops from across the Church to address matters of faith and morals for the universal church. These councils have historically made foundational doctrinal decisions and creeds that guide all Christians. A synod is typically a more limited gathering—often regional or for consultation—not a universal council. General assemblies and conferences are broader, and while they can be important, they don’t carry the same universal doctrinal authority as an ecumenical council.

A worldwide gathering of all bishops with the Pope is called an ecumenical council. The term ecumenical comes from a Greek word meaning the whole inhabited world, signaling that it brings together bishops from across the Church to address matters of faith and morals for the universal church. These councils have historically made foundational doctrinal decisions and creeds that guide all Christians. A synod is typically a more limited gathering—often regional or for consultation—not a universal council. General assemblies and conferences are broader, and while they can be important, they don’t carry the same universal doctrinal authority as an ecumenical council.