Roman Catechism (1566) – the doctrine on the angels and the demons

The Roman Catechism (Catechismus ex decreto Concilii Tridentini ad parochos), published by Saint Pius V in 1566 by mandate of the Council of Trent, contains one of the most systematic patristic and scholastic expositions on the angels and the demons in the history of the Catholic Magisterium. Its affirmations formed the basis of Marian catechesis until the Catechism of the Catholic Church of 1992.

Structure of the doctrine on the angels in the Roman Catechism

n. 17, the creation of the angels

Latin: Praeter spiritualia substantias, sive Angelos creavit Deus eo tempore quo coeli formatus est sive prius, ut ex sacris litteris est evidentius, ad illius decoris pulchritudinemque additam: nam scrptum est “Cum me laudarent simul astra matutina et iubilarent omnes filii Dei” (Iob 38, 7).

English: Besides the spiritual substances, or Angels, God created them at the time when the heavens were formed, or before, as is more evidently concluded from the Sacred Writings, to add to their adornment and beauty: for it is written “When the morning stars praised me together and all the sons of God rejoiced” (Job 38:7).

n. 18, the nature of the angels

The angels are pure and incorporeal spirits, endowed with intelligence and will, not mixed with any matter. They possess knowledge in an intuitive way (not discursive, as in man), they know one another perfectly, and they have free will.

n. 19, the nine angelic choirs

Taking up Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite (5th century) and Saint Thomas Aquinas (13th century), the Roman Catechism presents the nine angelic orders in three hierarchies:

n. 20, the guardian angels

Every member of the faithful has a Guardian Angel assigned by God from birth. The Angel protects the Christian against the snares of the Devil, sustains him in temptations, comforts him in tribulations, and presents him to God at the hour of death. This truth is grounded in Mt 18:10 (“Their angels continually see the face of my Father who is in heaven”) and in Ps 91:11 (“He will give his angels charge over you, to guard you in all your ways”).

n. 21, the fall of the rebel angels

But among the sublime Angels, Lucifer is recognized as the imitator of our chief, who, exalted by his creating work, swelled with pride and arrogance and, thinking against God, cast himself into shameful crimes, to be hurled from the bright seat of heaven into the dark hells, deceiving an infinite multitude of other Angels, who zealously followed the crimes of Lucifer.

English: But among the sublime Angels, Lucifer is recognized as the head of our Enemy, who, exalting himself in his work upon being created, swelled with disdain and arrogance and, thinking against God, was cast down into base offenses, being expelled from the bright seat of heaven into the dark hells, together with an infinite multitude of deceived Angels who with equal zeal followed the crimes of Lucifer.

n. 22, the envy of the devil against man

The rebel Angels became envious of the happiness of men, who had not yet fallen. Out of envy, the Devil, taking the figure of the serpent, tempted Eve and Adam, leading them into disobedience. Therefore “invidia diaboli mors introivit in orbem terrarum” (by the envy of the devil death entered the world, Wis 2:24).

n. 23, the continuous action of the demon

Even after the Cross and the Resurrection of Christ, the Devil continues to tempt the faithful. Saint Peter warns: “be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet 5:8). The Church provides herself with spiritual weapons to resist the Evil One: the grace of the sacraments, prayer, fasting, virtue.

The Roman Catechism and devotion to the angels

The Roman Catechism consolidated devotion to the Guardian Angels in the universal Church:

• The practice of praying daily to the Guardian Angel
• Feast of the Guardian Angels (October 2)
• Feast of the Archangels Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel and Saint Raphael (September 29)
• The inclusion of the Angels in the Litany of Loreto (Regina Angelorum)

Continuity with the CCC

The CCC of 1992 takes up almost literally the affirmations of the Roman Catechism on the angels:

Further reading

Fourth Lateran Council 1215 | Florence – Cantate Domino 1442 | Roman Catechism (Mariology) | CCC on Angels and Demons

See our complete guide to Catholic Angelology.