Topic
Angels & Demons
What the Church really teaches about angels, guardian angels, the devil and demons — calmly, and grounded in Scripture.
Questions about angels & demons
All in Q&A
Are guardian angels real?
Yes. The Church teaches that angels are real spiritual beings created by God, and the Church's definitive teaching holds that each person has a guardian angel who watches over them from birth to death. Jesus himself said that children's "angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father."
What does the Church teach about the devil?
The Church teaches that Satan is real: a fallen angel who, with other demons, freely and irrevocably rejected God. He tempts and deceives, but he is a creature, not God's equal, and his power is limited. Christ has already defeated him, and through prayer and the sacraments believers can resist him.
Did Jesus have a guardian angel?
Since Jesus was truly a man, there is no reason to doubt that he had a guardian angel; a pious opinion holds that it was Michael the archangel. Scripture clearly records angels ministering to him.
Is there anyone we know for certain is in hell?
Satan and the fallen angels certainly are, or will be on the last day. Scripture implies that some human beings will not be saved, but we are not given to know who. The Church prays for all the dead and hopes for the salvation of each person.
How could Satan re-enter heaven to talk to God about Job?
Nothing unclean enters heaven, and Satan cannot return there — clues that Job 1:6-12 is not literal history. It is most likely a story built on a theological truth: God permits the devil to tempt human beings. Scripture uses many literary forms to convey truth.
Why pray to angels?
Angels are spiritual beings with free will and intellects far beyond ours. The holy angels dwell in heaven and so are saints. God uses them as messengers, guardians and helpers to us, as Raphael's words in Tobit show.
Should I pray to learn my guardian angel's name?
No. The Church discourages giving names to the holy angels, except Gabriel, Raphael and Michael, whose names are in Scripture.