The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 2

VII. Articles Added to Nicene Creed by Creed of Pius IV

This Creed of Pius IV is the authoritative epitome of the canons and decrees of the Council of Trent, which every Catholic priest is sworn to receive, profess, and maintain. ²⁹ It commences with the Nicene Creed, but a series of new articles is added, which summarize the specific Roman doctrines as determined by the Council of Trent and reject the doctrines of Scripture recovered by the Reformation. The new articles in essence are tradition equal with, or actually superior to, the Scriptures as a rule of faith; interpretation of Scripture by unanimous consent of Fathers; seven sacraments (baptism, confirmation, the eucharist, penance, extreme unction, orders, and matrimony) and the ceremonies of the Catholic Church; definitions and declarations of the Council of Trent concerning original sin and justification; the mass and transubstantiation; communion in one kind; purgatory and invocation of saints; veneration of images and use of indulgences; obedience to the bishop of Rome; acceptance of the canons and councils, particularly the Council of Trent; and no salvation outside of the true Catholic faith. ³⁰ PFF2 476.2

These constitute Rome’s deliberate and final rejection and anathema of the Reformation teachings of the Word—a decision to which she must unalterably adhere, and thus confess herself irreformable. PFF2 477.1