The Apostles' Creed (New English Translation): Full Prayer, Meaning, and How Catholics Pray It
By Catholic Prayers & Inspirations
The Apostles' Creed: A Timeless Profession of Christian Faith
The Apostles' Creed is one of the oldest and most beloved professions of faith in Christianity. For nearly two thousand years, Catholics have recited this Creed to proclaim the essential truths revealed by God through Jesus Christ.
Although it was not written directly by the Twelve Apostles, it faithfully summarizes the teachings they handed down to the early Church. Every line reflects the heart of the Gospel—from God's creation of the world to Christ's saving death and resurrection, the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Church, forgiveness of sins, and the promise of everlasting life.
Today, Catholics pray the Apostles' Creed during the Holy Rosary, at the beginning of many personal prayers, during Baptism, and whenever they wish to renew their faith in God.
The Full Apostles' Creed (New English Translation)
I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
he descended into hell;
on the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.
Amen.
What Is the Apostles' Creed?
The Apostles' Creed is a concise summary of the Christian faith. It teaches what Catholics believe about:
God the Father
Jesus Christ
The Holy Spirit
The Catholic Church
Salvation
Eternal life
Rather than simply being words to memorize, the Creed is a declaration of trust in God's plan of salvation.
Whenever Catholics pray it, they renew the promises made at Baptism and publicly affirm their faith in Jesus Christ.
The Meaning of Each Part of the Apostles' Creed
"I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth."
Everything begins with God. He is our loving Father who created the universe and every human person out of love. We are not accidents—we were created with purpose and dignity.
"And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord."
Jesus is not merely a great teacher or prophet. He is the eternal Son of God who became man for our salvation.
Calling Jesus "Lord" means recognizing Him as the King of our lives.
"Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary."
This proclaims the mystery of the Incarnation.
Jesus is fully God and fully man. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Mary conceived the Savior while remaining ever Virgin.
"Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried."
These words remind us that Jesus willingly accepted suffering to redeem humanity from sin.
His death on the Cross is the greatest sign of God's love.
"Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." (John 15:13)
"He descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead."
The phrase "descended into hell" refers to Christ's descent to the realm of the dead, where He proclaimed victory and opened heaven to the righteous who had died before His Resurrection.
On Easter Sunday, Jesus conquered sin and death forever.
The Resurrection is the foundation of Christian hope.
"He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father."
Forty days after His Resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven.
He now reigns with the Father and continually intercedes for us.
"He will come again to judge the living and the dead."
Catholics believe that Jesus will return in glory.
His Second Coming will bring justice, mercy, and the fulfillment of God's Kingdom.
"I believe in the Holy Spirit."
The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Holy Trinity.
He guides the Church, strengthens believers, inspires holiness, and gives spiritual gifts.
"The holy Catholic Church."
Jesus established one universal Church to continue His mission on earth.
The Church preserves the teachings of Christ, celebrates the Sacraments, and leads souls toward heaven.
"The communion of saints."
The Church is one family.
This includes:
The faithful on earth
The souls being purified
The saints in heaven
Together we remain united in Christ.
"The forgiveness of sins."
Through Jesus Christ, every sinner can receive mercy.
God forgives those who sincerely repent and return to Him, especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
"The resurrection of the body."
At the end of time, our bodies will rise again and be reunited with our souls.
This is one of Christianity's greatest hopes.
"Life everlasting."
Heaven is our true home.
Those who remain faithful to Christ will enjoy eternal happiness with God forever.
Why Catholics Pray the Apostles' Creed
Catholics pray the Apostles' Creed because it helps us:
Renew our Baptismal faith.
Strengthen our trust in God.
Remember the central truths of Christianity.
Prepare our hearts before praying the Rosary.
Profess our faith with confidence.
Grow closer to Jesus Christ.
When Do Catholics Pray the Apostles' Creed?
Catholics commonly pray the Apostles' Creed:
At the beginning of the Holy Rosary
During Baptism
During personal prayer
During family prayer
During retreats and missions
Whenever renewing their faith
Biblical Foundations of the Apostles' Creed
Although the Creed itself is not found as one passage in Scripture, every article is rooted in the Bible.
Some examples include:
Genesis 1:1 — God created heaven and earth.
Matthew 1:18–25 — Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Luke 1:26–38 — The Annunciation to Mary.
John 19 — The Crucifixion.
Luke 24 — The Resurrection.
Acts 1:9–11 — The Ascension.
Matthew 28:19 — The Holy Trinity.
Acts 2 — The coming of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 15 — The resurrection of the body.
Revelation 21 — Eternal life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Twelve Apostles write the Apostles' Creed?
No. Tradition once connected each Apostle with a line of the Creed, but historians agree it developed gradually in the early Church as a summary of apostolic teaching.
Is the Apostles' Creed different from the Nicene Creed?
Yes.
The Apostles' Creed is shorter and is often prayed during the Rosary and Baptism.
The Nicene Creed is longer and is ordinarily recited during Sunday Mass and solemnities.
Both express the same Catholic faith.
Why do Catholics say "I believe" instead of "We believe"?
The Creed is a personal profession of faith.
Each believer individually declares his or her trust in God while remaining united with the whole Church.
Living the Apostles' Creed Every Day
Praying the Apostles' Creed should transform how we live.
When we profess our faith, we are called to:
Trust God in every circumstance.
Follow Jesus faithfully.
Love our neighbors.
Forgive others.
Pray often.
Participate in the Sacraments.
Live with hope of eternal life.
Faith is not merely spoken—it is lived through love, obedience, and holiness.
Related Catholic Prayers
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Final Reflection
The Apostles' Creed is much more than an ancient prayer. It is the heartbeat of Christian belief and a beautiful summary of God's plan of salvation.
Every time we pray it, we proclaim our faith in the Father who created us, the Son who redeemed us, and the Holy Spirit who sanctifies us. We also express our hope in the Church, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the promise of eternal life.
May this sacred profession of faith strengthen your trust in God, deepen your love for Jesus Christ, and inspire you to live as a faithful disciple each day.
Amen.
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Learn More: Cathechism of the Catholic Church: The Profession of the Christian Faith
