The Compendium of the Catechism was requested by Pope John Paul II and it was produced by a Commission headed by the then-Cardinal Ratzinger. It fell to newly elected Pope Benedict XVI to promulgate the text in 2005. The first English edition of the Compendium was published in 2006.

The book faithfully summarises the content of the larger Catechism in an accessible question and answer format. It is intended to be of use to Catholics and others as an introduction to the essentials of the faith. It is to be hoped that the Compendium will be of value in the task of communicating all aspects of the faith. In this regard parents and others will find it a desirable purchase.

The content of the Compendium can be read on the Vatican website by clicking here . The Compendium can be purchased in many bookshops and can also be ordered online with Veritas or the Catholic Truth Society .