Placentia, Councils of (Concilium Placentinum)

Placentia, Councils Of (Concilium Placentinum)

Several important ecclesiastical gatherings were held there. The first of importance was convened March 1, 1095, and concluded March 5, by pope Urban II. Two hundred bishops attended, with nearly 4000 other ecclesiastics and 30,000 laymen. So innumerable were the multitude of persons who flocked- to it that no church could be found in those parts capable of containing them, therefore the pope was compelled to hold the first and third sessions of this assembly in the open air. The empress Praxedis in person made complaint against her husband the emperor Henry, who divorced her and treated her infamously. Ambassadors from the emperor of Constantinople were present, who demanded help against the infidels, with the approbation of the pope. Fifteen canons were published, by which the heresy of 'Berenger was again condemned, and the truth of the real presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in the holy Eucharist clearly set forth. The sect of the New Nicolaitans (who favored incontinence in the clergy) was also condemned. The orders conferred by Guibert, the antipope, and others who had been excommunicated, were declared null. The Ember fasts were also fixed. After this Urban proceeded to France, and in the autumn of the same year held the celebrated Council of Clermont. See Labbe, Concilia, 10, 500.

Another important council was held after Easter, 1132, by Innocent II, assisted by several bishops of Lombardy. It was forbidden to receive to penitence those who refused to renounce fornication, hatred, and every mortal sin. In this council the antipope Anacletus was excommunicated. See Labbe, Concilia, 10:988.