The First Vatican Council was convened by Pope Pius IX from 1869 to 1870 to discuss contemporary issues facing the Catholic Church, including rationalism, liberalism, and the relationship between faith and science. The Council debated two constitutions, including Dei Filius which addressed Church teachings, and Pastor Aeternus which defined the doctrine of papal infallibility. However, the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War interrupted the Council, which was suspended and never resumed after Rome was occupied by Italian troops.

1. The First Vatican
Council

2. Pope Pius IX
• Longest reigning elected pope in the history of the
Catholic Church
• Orchestrated Council on June. 29, 1868
• Settled dispute between Dominicans and
Franciscans over Immaculate conception
• Favoured the Franciscans view
• This raised the topic of papal infallibility

3. The Council
• Dec. 8, 1869 - Oct.20, 1870
• The council was started to deal with rationalism, materialism &
liberalism
• Approx. 700 Fathers met
• 86 general congregations & 4 public sessions
• Discussed contemporary philosophical theories
• Connection between faith & science
• 51 proposed degrees
• Discussed principles of Christian religion (Catechism) Adjourned
due to occupation of Roman by troops of Victor Emmanuel II
• Discussion of two constitutions
• Dogmatic Constitution On The Catholic Faith and First Dogmatic
Constitution on the Church of Christ

4. Papal Infallibility
• Dogma of Catholic Church
• Discussion about whether the Pope can make
biblical decisions without the Bishop’s consent
• One of four doctrines of Catholic faith

5. Dei Filius
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Beginning of dogmatic constitution of Catholic church
Teaching of The Catholic Church
Teaching of God, revelation, faith & reason
Adopted on April 24, 1870
Opening words "Sancta Romana Catholica Ecclesia"

6. Pastor Aeternus
• Defines 4 doctrines of the Catholic faith

7. Suspension of the Council
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Outbreak of Franco-Prussian War interrupted council
Suspended following capture of Rome
German advance and capture of Emperor
Piedmontese troops occupied Rome.
France could not protect Pope
Never resumed
Never officially closed

8. Possible Relocating & Reopening
of Council
• After the council closed, Pope Pius IX considered leaving
Rome
• Thought of reopening the council elsewhere

9. Sources
• "First Vatican Council." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Oct. 2013.
Web. 24 Oct. 2013.
• "First Vatican Council (Roman Catholic History)." Encyclopedia Britannica
Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Oct. 2013. Web. 24 Oct. 2013.
• "First Vatican Council." Kids.Net.Au. N.p., 30 Oct. 2013. Web. 30 Oct. 2013
• "Pius IX (Vatican I)." Pius IX (Vatican I). N.p., 30 Oct. 2013. Web. 30 Oct.
2013