[monkfan]

While the Pope can speak infallibly on his own and definitively settle controversies, we believe an ecumenical council can also do likewise.

If the Pope states one thing and a council states something to the contrary, which statement can be affirmed? More to the point, can the Pope trump a Council?

[dangus]

>>More to the point, can the Pope trump a Council?<<

A Pope has to ratify that a Council was ecumenical, and thus speaking for the entire church, and not merely expressing the opinions of those several bishops who happen to be able to attend. "Synods" are common; "ecumenical councils" are not.