The Fourth Lateran Council of 1215 (This Week in Jewish History)

Depiction of Host Desecration in Sternberg, Germany (1492). Diebold Schilling the Younger [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Depiction of Host Desecration in Sternberg, Germany (1492). Diebold Schilling the Younger [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
The Fourth Lateran Council, which met in 1215 at the behest of Pope Innocent III, issued several pieces of Church legislation with dire implications for Jews. The doctrine of transubstantiation was confirmed, leading to a new element in antisemitic canards: accusations that Jews “desecrated the host.”

2 thoughts on “The Fourth Lateran Council of 1215 (This Week in Jewish History)”

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  1. Thank you for the information about the Lantern council. As usually when Popes or any other regime feels that they are in an uncertain moment in their regimes they need something to maintain their position and escape goat is the best:Jews; but if I’m not mistaken this time the Muslims where also attack in this council.

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  2. Dr. Abrahamson: In your lecture on the Fourth Lateran Council of 1215, you show a painting of Jews desecrating the host in Sternberg, Germany. A yellow circle is present on the garments of three of the Jews. Is this a “Jew’s badge”?
    Todah rabbah in advance for your reply. I am preparing an assignment for a class on medieval Jewry at the U of Oregon.
    Sincerely,
    George A. Tanner, PhD

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