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The Godfather — Baptism renunciation crosscut

Accurate Film 1972

The liturgy quoted is authentic and accurate to the Catholic baptismal rite. The film uses a real text, used ironically.

Context — what the work shows

During his nephew's baptism, Michael Corleone is asked the renunciation questions while his men carry out a synchronised series of murders. The priest asks, "Do you renounce Satan?" — and Michael answers "I do renounce him" — while the killings unfold.

Claimed reference

The Catholic baptismal renunciation of Satan, "and all his works, and all his empty promises."

Actual reference

The renunciation of Satan is a genuine, ancient part of the Catholic Rite of Baptism, with roots in pre-Nicene Christianity. It is still in active use.

What the text actually says

The current Catholic Rite of Baptism for Children (Order of Baptism of Children) includes: "Do you renounce Satan? — I do. And all his works? — I do. And all his empty show? — I do." (Or similar wordings depending on translation.) The renunciation has been part of Christian baptismal practice since at least the 3rd century — Tertullian, Hippolytus, and Cyril of Jerusalem all describe versions of it.

Verdict

The renunciation questions Michael answers — "Do you renounce Satan? And all his works? And all his empty promises?" — are a real and ancient part of the Catholic Rite of Baptism. They are not invented for the film. The scene's power comes from setting an authentic liturgical text against synchronous violence.

The liturgical text

The renunciation Michael answers is part of the standard Catholic Rite of Baptism. In current English usage:

“Do you renounce Satan? — I do. And all his works? — I do. And all his empty show? — I do.”

Older translations rendered the third question as “all his empty promises” or “all his pomps.” The substance is unchanged.

How old is the formula

The renunciation of Satan is one of the oldest preserved elements of Christian baptismal practice. Documentation includes:

  • Tertullian (c. 200 CE) — refers in De Spectaculis to baptismal candidates renouncing the devil “and his pomp and his angels.”
  • Hippolytus (c. 215 CE) — Apostolic Tradition preserves a triple renunciation formula before the three baptismal immersions.
  • Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 350 CE) — describes the renunciation in Mystagogical Catechesis with the formula: “I renounce thee, Satan, and all thy works, and all thy pomp, and all thy service.”

The formula in the Godfather scene reflects this ancient tradition. It is not a screenwriter’s invention.

What the Bible has on the renunciation

The Bible does not preserve a fixed liturgical text of baptism, but the underlying idea — turning from one allegiance to another — is built into the New Testament’s description of baptism:

  • Romans 6:3–4 — Paul describes baptism as being “buried with him” and rising to “newness of life.”
  • Acts 19:18–19 — converts in Ephesus burn their occult materials publicly, an enacted renunciation.
  • 1 Peter 3:21 — describes baptism as “the pledge of a good conscience toward God.”

The liturgical renunciation is the church’s formalisation of this New Testament theology.