How many total ecumenical councils are recognized by the Catholic Church?

The Catholic Church recognizes a total of twenty-one ecumenical councils. These councils have been pivotal in addressing various theological, doctrinal, and disciplinary issues throughout the history of the Church. The most prominent among these councils include the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, which addressed the Arian controversy, and the Second Vatican Council, which took place from 1962 to 1965, focusing on engaging the modern world and reforming various aspects of Church life.

The recognition of twenty-one ecumenical councils is essential for understanding the development of Church teachings and the evolution of its governance structures. Each council has contributed to the formation of core doctrines and has often addressed pressing issues of its time, making them significant historical events in the life of the Catholic Church.

Understanding the total number of these councils helps contextualize the development of Catholic theology and ecclesiastical authority over the centuries.