As the Church marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea (325–2025), Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P., Rector of the Angelicum, speaks with Prof. Lewis Ayres, one of the world’s leading experts on early Christian theology, about the enduring significance of Nicaea.

They discuss what the Council achieved, how its vision of Christ and the Trinity continues to shape Christian faith today, its role in Catholic-Orthodox dialogue, and the significance of Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming visit to Turkey to commemorate this milestone in Church history.

📖 Angelicum Conversations is a new interview series from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (the Angelicum) in Rome. Each episode features thoughtful dialogue on theology, philosophy, and culture—conversations that reflect the Angelicum’s mission of serving the Church through study, contemplation, and teaching.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear your perspective.

👉 Explore more episodes in the Angelicum Conversations series:    • Angelicum Conversations  

🎥 Check out the Angelicum's new video series on Catholic Social Teaching:    • Catholic Social Thought (CST): The Fratern...  

🎓 Learn more about the Angelicum: https://angelicum.it/

0:00 Introduction

1:20 Background to the Council of Nicaea

6:00 What Is Arianism?

10:03 What’s Wrong with Arianism?

11:42 What Does Nicaea Say? The Two Statements of the Creed

13:55 The Meaning of “Homoousios” in the Creed

15:46 Reception of Nicaea & Theology of the Trinity

19:41 Why Do Expressions of the Faith Change Over Time?

21:45 Development of Doctrine

24:07 Why Does Nicene Theology Matter Today?

27:17 The Nicene Creed & Scripture

30:03 The Nicene Creed & Ecumenism (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant)

33:22 Visit of Pope Leo XIV to Turkey & Catholic-Orthodox Relations

35:00 Advice for Young Theologians & Theological Literacy

38:00 Conclusion

In this inaugural episode of Angelicum Conversations, Prof. Andrew Meszaros joins Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P., to discuss the enduring importance of St. John Henry Newman.This summer, Pope Leo XIV announced that he would declare Newman a Doctor of the Church—a recognition that highlights Newman’s influence on theology, education, and the life of the Church in the modern era. Prof. Meszaros, the first holder of the newly established St. John Henry Newman Chair in Theology at the Angelicum, reflects on Newman’s legacy and explores how his thought continues to illuminate contemporary questions of faith and reason.📖 Angelicum Conversations is a new interview series from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (the Angelicum) in Rome. Each episode features thoughtful dialogue on theology, philosophy, and culture —conversations that reflect the Angelicum’s mission of serving the Church through study, contemplation, and teaching.💬 Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear your perspective. 👉 Explore more episodes in the Angelicum Conversations series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnbhx2jnZ5Dd28o4qDsJVCldPx0C88zb4🎥 Check out the Angelicum's new video series on Catholic Social Teaching: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnbhx2jnZ5DeWHdT4MNq_UAY0ChkgM-wo 🎓 Learn more about the Angelicum: https://angelicum.it/ #AngelicumConversations #JohnHenryNewman #DoctorOfTheChurch #CatholicThought #Theology #CatholicEducation #FaithAndReason #Angelicum #AndrewMeszaros #ThomasJosephWhite0:00 Intro 1:16 Newman's Life4:48 Why Is Newman Important Today? Liberalism, Modernity, Post-Modernity7:21 Newman’s Anglican Period & Discovery of the Church Fathers9:21 Newman’s Conversion & Personal Holiness13:01 Theological Contributions & Development of Doctrine18:08 Conscience, Truth, & Authority23:45 Newman & Vatican II25:39 Role of Laity & Synodality29:58 Newman & University Education36:13 Newman Chair at the Angelicum40:03 Declaring Newman a Doctor of the Church42:37 Conclusion