The Apostles’ Creed is an early Christian profession of faith that summarizes core beliefs about God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and eternal life.
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The Apostles’ Creed is a concise formulation of Christian belief traditionally associated with the teaching of the Apostles, though it developed gradually within the early Church. It serves as one of the Church’s principal creeds, distinguished by its simplicity, narrative structure, and widespread use in Western Christianity.

Text of the Prayer (Latin and English)

The full Latin text with standard English translation is available at latinprayer.org/prayers/apostles-creed/.

That page provides the established wording used in Catholic liturgical and catechetical settings.

Origin and Historical Background

Despite its name, the Apostles’ Creed was not written directly by the Apostles themselves. Its roots lie in early baptismal professions of faith used by Christian communities in Rome during the 2nd and 3rd centuries. These formulas were intended to summarize essential beliefs required for entry into the Church.

The creed developed from the Old Roman Symbol, an early statement of faith that gradually expanded in wording and clarity as doctrinal controversies arose. By the early Middle Ages, the text had reached a stable form closely matching the version used today in the Roman Rite.

Theological and Scriptural Themes

The creed is structured around belief in the Trinity, unfolding in three sections:

  • God the Father: Affirmation of God as Creator and sovereign origin of all things (cf. Genesis 1:1).
  • Jesus Christ: A chronological confession of Christ’s incarnation, passion, death, resurrection, ascension, and future judgment, reflecting New Testament narratives and apostolic preaching (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3–5).
  • The Holy Spirit and the Church: Profession of belief in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, forgiveness of sins, resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.

Its language emphasizes historical events as well as theological truths, anchoring belief in both revelation and lived history.

Liturgical and Devotional Use

In Catholic practice, the Apostles’ Creed is used primarily:

  • During Baptism, as a profession of faith
  • In the Rosary, recited after the opening prayers
  • At certain liturgies in place of the Nicene Creed, particularly outside of Mass

It is especially associated with catechesis and personal prayer, where its brevity supports memorization and reflection.

Role in Catholic Life and Practice

The Apostles’ Creed has long served as a foundational summary of Christian belief, shaping instruction, worship, and personal faith across centuries. Its enduring use reflects the Church’s effort to preserve a clear, accessible articulation of essential doctrine while maintaining continuity with the earliest expressions of Christian faith.