Books by The Vatican

The first edition of the new Catechism went out across the world in many language versions. This gave the local Churches the chance to study it in depth. Through their bishops and teachers they responded with comments on texts that needed refinement. The present edition was developed in the light of these comments and published in Latin as the definitive Editio Typica. This book is the English translation of the Editio Typica.

Throughout the course of her history, the Church has never failed, in the words of Pope Leo XIII, to speak the words that are hers concerning life in society. This book shows the value of Catholic social teaching as an instrument of evangelisation because it places the human person and society in relationship with the light of the Gospel.

This edition of the Catechism includes all changes specified by Rome following the publication of the Latin Edition in 1997. Changes include the revision of the text on capital punishment and stronger emphasis on psychological and social factors.