On Saint Ireneus of Lyons

The Holy Father devoted his weekly audience to the personage of Saint Ireneus of Lyons.

Devoting his life "to defend true doctrine from the attacks of the heretics, and to clearly expound the truth of the faith," this "first great theologian of the Church ... established systematic theology."

Together with the early Fathers of the Church, Ireneus held true to the rule of faith. Benedict XVI described it this way:

These men have taught us nothing but the simple faith, which is also the true depth of the revelation of God. Thus, says Ireneus, there is no secret doctrine behind the common creed of the Church. There is no superior Christianity for intellectuals. The faith publicly professed by the Church is the faith common to all. Only this faith is apostolic, coming from the apostles, that is, from Jesus and from God.

To adhere to this faith publicly taught by the apostles to their successors, Christians must observe what the bishops say. They must specifically consider the teaching of the Church of Rome, pre-eminent and ancient. This Church, because of its age, has the greatest apostolicity; in fact its origins come from the columns of the apostolic college, Peter and Paul. All the Churches must be in harmony with the Church of Rome, recognizing in it the measure of the true apostolic tradition and the only faith common to the Church.

This address is well worth a read. It contains the Holy Fathers direct and understandable teaching style, as well as his faith.