In the book "The Dumas Club" by Arturo Pérez-Reverte, the narrative touches upon a significant historical moment, specifically the Fourth Council of Lateran in 1215. This council played a crucial role in solidifying certain dogmas within the Catholic Church, particularly emphasizing the existence of the devil. This pronouncement marked a pivotal point in theological debates of the time, highlighting the church's efforts to define and establish its stance on spiritual matters.

The mention of the devil's confirmed existence in a formal church context underscores the influence of religious authority in shaping beliefs and doctrines. Pérez-Reverte's work illustrates how such historical events continue to resonate, affecting cultural and literary interpretations of good and evil, faith and doubt, within the broader scope of human experience.