You have certainly heard that in General Councils there are great disputations and investigations, establishing the truth after discussion, reasoning and theological argument. At the conclusion of the debates, the pope, who is the chief bishop, together with the other bishops who are the fathers of the council, draws conclusions and resolutions on the subject at hand. Once the final statements have been made, each person accepts them in full agreement. This is done, not out of regard for the reasons advance in the preceding discussion and investigation, but in virtue of the authority of the Holy Spirit. For it is the Holy Spirit Who invisibly presides over councils, judging, determining and concluding matters under discussion through His servants whom He has chosen as pastors of the Christian community.
(T.L.G. Book 2, Ch. 14; O. IV, p. 135)
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