credo

Credo is a term with religious, linguistic, and cultural uses centered on belief. It derives from the Latin credo, meaning “I believe,” from credere “to believe.” In broad terms, a credo can refer to a formal statement of belief or a guiding principle that shapes conduct.

In Christian usage, the Credo is a liturgical text that articulates the faith professed by the church. The most well-known forms are the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed. In the Roman Catholic Mass, the Credo is a spoken or sung portion that typically follows the Gloria; other Christian traditions have their own creedal formulations or confessional statements. Outside Latin-rite settings, various languages render the same creedal content according to local liturgical practices.

Beyond strictly liturgical contexts, credo denotes a person’s or organization’s guiding beliefs. A personal credo is a set of principles that informs decisions and behavior, while a corporate credo or mission statement expresses an institution’s core values and purposes. In philosophy and ethics, the term is used to describe a foundational belief system or life stance.

In culture, the word appears as a title or thematic reference in music, literature, and film, often signaling a defining belief or commitment as a motif. While closely related to the English term creed, credo carries connotations of both formal confession and personal principle, depending on context.

See also: Creed, Credal, Credibility.