Saint Michael in the Catholic Church

Victory of St. Michael by Raphael, 16th century
St. Michael in stained glass window by Franz Mayer & Co. Quis ut Deus? ('Who is like God?') is on his shield.

Saint Michael the Archangel is referenced in the Old Testament and has been part of Christian teachings since the earliest times.[1] In Catholic writings and traditions, he acts as the defender of the Church and the opponent of Satan. He also assists people at the hour of death.

A widely used "Prayer to Saint Michael" was brought into official use by Pope Leo XIII in 1886 and was recommended by Pope John Paul II in 1994.

  1. ^ Kelly, John Norman. Early Christian Doctrines Continuum Publishing, 2000 ISBN 0-8264-5252-3 p. 7