How did the Pope's role change as a result of the First Vatican Council?

The First Vatican Council, held from 1869 to 1870, was significant in defining the Pope's role within the Catholic Church, particularly by affirming the doctrine of papal infallibility. This doctrine states that when the Pope speaks "ex cathedra," or from the chair of Saint Peter, on matters of faith and morals, he is preserved from error. This established a clear and authoritative basis for the Pope's teachings, enhancing his spiritual authority and centralizing power within the papacy.

This affirmation of infallibility marked a pivotal moment in the Church's governance structure by reinforcing the Pope's role as the ultimate authority on doctrinal matters. Thus, it not only changed how the faithful viewed the Pope's teachings but also fundamentally transformed the relationship between the papacy and the broader Catholic community.

The other options, while related to governance and church structure, do not directly capture the most critical outcome of the council. The introduction of a new governance model or the establishment of a council of cardinals would imply a shift towards collegiality or shared governance, which contradicts the emphasis on papal authority established during the council. Promoting greater collaboration with local bishops, while important in ecclesiastical governance, did not emerge as a