The Tridentine Creed (Latin: Professio fidei Tridentinae), also known as the Profession of Faith of the Council of Trent or as the Creed of Pope Pius IV,[1] is one of the four authoritative Catholic creeds.[2] The creed was initially contained in the papal bull Iniunctum Nobis, issued by Pope Pius IV on November 13, 1565.[3] The creed was intended to summarize the teaching of the Council of Trent (1545-1563).[4]
In accordance with the task of the Council, to define the Church against Protestantism, it professes many important parts of the Catholic faith. It contains the text of the Nicene Creed, along with affirmations of the Catholic Church's authority in interpreting the Scriptures, dispensing the sacraments, assent to the sacrificial nature of the Mass, acknowledgement of Purgatory, fidelity to the Pope, and condemnation of the heresies repudiated by the Church. It was revised during the First Vatican Council, and was once used as an oath of loyalty taken by theologians and converts.[2]