Angelology is the branch of theology that studies angels – their existence, nature, and mission – in the light of Sacred Scripture, the Fathers of the Church, and the Magisterium. Its opposite is Demonology, the study of fallen angels (demons).What are angels?Angels are purely spiritual creatures – without a body – endowed with personal intelligence and will, immortal and superior in perfection to all visible creation (Catechism, nn. 328-330). Their presence permeates all Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, passing through Tobias, Daniel, and the Gospel.According to the *Catechism of the Catholic Church* (nn. 328-336), angels are pure spirits, created by God – intelligent and free beings, without a body, who contemplate and serve Him as messengers. Saint Augustine summarizes: “Angel” is the name of the office, not of the nature; the nature is “spirit.” Their existence is a “truth of faith” (Fourth Lateran Council, 1215).
What do they do? Mission and guardian angels
In Scripture, angels announce (the Annunciation, by Saint Gabriel), protect, guide, and praise God. Jesus affirms the care of guardian angels: “your angels see the face of my Father continually” (Mt 18:10).
The Nine Orders (Angel Choirs)
The tradition, systematized by Pseudo-Dionysius Areopagita (De Caelesti Hierarchia) and taken up by Saint Thomas Aquinas, groups the nine choirs into three hierarchies: Seraphims, Cherubims and Thrones (with God); Dominations, Virtues and Powers; and Principates, Archangels and Angels (more closely linked to the governance of the world and the relationship with humanity).The tradition (Pseudo-Dionysius, taken up by St. Thomas Aquinas) organizes the angels into three hierarchies of three choirs:1. Seraphims, Cherubims, Thrones
2. Dominations, Virtues, Powers
3. Principates, Archangels, AngelsThe three archangels named in Scripture:
Michael (‘Who is like God’),
Gabriel (‘Strength of God’), and
Raphael (‘God heals’).
And what about demons?
Demons are angels who rebelled against God (cf. Lucifer/Satan). They are real, but limited creatures – they do not have the power of God. The Church has always rejected dualism: evil is not a rival “god,” but a fallen creature.
The Sources of the Magisterium
The Catholic doctrine on angels does not arise from a definition about angels—it arises from a confession about God. When the Council of Nicaea (325) proclaimed God “creator of all things visible and invisible,” it placed angels definitively as part of the creature, never the Creator. Everything that follows flows from this intuition.
- Fourth Lateran Council (1215) – in the profession Firmiter credimus, defines that God created simul ab initio temporis (“from the beginning of time”) and de nihilo (“out of nothing”) both the spiritual and corporal creature; and that the devil and other demons were created good by nature, but became evil by their own choice. This is the first dogmatic definition inserting angels into the faith.
- Florence Council (1442), Bull Cantate Domino – spiritual creatures are good (made by the Supreme Good) but mutable (made out of nothing): there is no nature of evil.
- Vatican I Council (1870), Dei Filius – elevates the doctrine to solemn dogmatic definition, condemning those who affirm that spirits emanate from the divine substance.
- Catechism (1992), nn. 328-336 – restores angelology to its place and proclaims that Christ is the center of the angelic world (CCC 331): all things were created through Him, in Him, and for Him (Col 1:16).
In summary: angels are spiritual creatures, created out of nothing, good by nature, free in their adherence or fall, ordered to praise and service –
venerable, but never to be adored. This is the path studied in depth in the discipline *Magisterial Angelology* of the Postgraduate Program in Angelology and Demonology at the Locus Mariologicus.From the Catechism to the Councils and Papal Decrees, the doctrine on angels is gathered and systematized. See the
index of magisterial sources on angels and demons, St. Thomas Aquinas’
Treaty on Angels, the archangels
Michael,
Gabriel, and
Raphael, and the
Catechism (nn. 328-336).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Angelology? The theological study of angels (their existence, nature, and mission), in Scripture and in the Magisterium.How many choirs of angels are there? Nine, in three hierarchies (from Seraphim to Angels).What are the archangels? Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael – the three named in the Bible.Do angels have a body? No. They are pure spirits, created by God.What is Demonology? The study of fallen angels (demons), real but limited creatures. 📖
Do you want to study this seriously? Get to know the Master’s Degree in Mariology from Locus – rigorous academic formation for theologians, priests, religious, and laity.