Catechism of the Catholic Church facts for kids

"The design of the logo is adapted from a Christian tombstone in the catacombs of Domitilla in Rome, which dates from the end of the third century A.D. This pastoral image, of pagan origin, was used by Christians to symbolize the rest and the happiness that the soul of the departed finds in eternal life. This image also suggests certain characteristic aspects of this Catechism: Christ, the Good Shepherd who leads and protects his faithful (the lamb) by his authority (the staff), draws them by the melodious symphony of the truth (the panpipes), and makes them lie down in the shade of the tree of life, his redeeming Cross which opens paradise."

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, often called the CCC, is a special book. It officially explains what the Roman Catholic Church believes and teaches. Think of it as a guide to the Catholic faith.

This important book was first released in 1992. It was written in French. Pope John Paul II approved its creation.

The CCC is a very large book, with over 900 pages. It has been translated into many languages, like English. Later, in 1997, an official Latin version was made. This Latin version is now the main reference.

There is also a shorter version called the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It came out in 2005. This Compendium is like a summary. It is written in a conversation-like style.

You can find the Compendium online in twelve languages. The main Catechism is also available on the Vatican website in eight languages.