The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a landmark in Catholic publishing. Within a year after it first appeared, over three million copies were in circulation in nine lang uages. Pope John Paul II has described the catechism as 'a sure and authentic source book for the teaching of Catholic doctrine.' It stresses the presentation of doctrine that, in the words of the catechism itself, 'seeks to deepen and increase a mature understanding of faith, firmly taking root in personal life and evident in conduct.' The pope declared the catechism is 'for all the faithful who want to understand better the inexhaustible riches of salvation.'
