A presbyteral council or council of priests[1] is a group of priests chosen to assist the local ordinary in an advisory capacity in the governance of a Roman Catholic diocese.
The council addresses matters concerning the pastoral welfare of the people of God in the local church.
[2] About half of the members of the council are freely elected by the priests.
The others have membership either because of a position that they hold (ex officio) or because nominated by the bishop.
[4] In the case of a sede vacante the council ceases to exist and its functions are taken over by the college of consultors.