Synopsis: Only available for sale in the United States. This 200-page volume offers a clear synopsis of the essential contents of the faith as promulgated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church in 598 questions and answers. About the Author: Now Pope Benedict XVI. At the time worked on the writing commission of the Compendium he was Prefect of the Congregation of the Faith. Pope Benedict XVI, formerly Joseph Ratzinger, was born on April 16, 1927 in Marktl am Inn, Germany. He was ordained a priest on June 29, 1951. He was elected pope in 2005.