Fidei Depositum
The apostolic constitution of 11 October 1992 by which Pope John Paul II ordered the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It tells how the catechism was requested, drafted and arranged, and what authority the pope gives it.
The constitution has five short sections. The first traces the catechism to the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops of 1985, which asked for a compendium of all Catholic doctrine on faith and morals. The second describes the drafting: a commission of twelve cardinals and bishops under Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, an editorial committee of seven diocesan bishops, nine successive drafts and a consultation of the Catholic bishops of the world. The third explains the four-part arrangement, which follows that of the catechism of Pius V. The fourth says that the pope approved the text on 25 June 1992, declares it a sure norm for teaching the faith, and says that it is not meant to replace approved local catechisms.
It is the legal act of publication and the pope’s own account of the work. See the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Cited in
- 11 October 1992, firm date