Youth catechism is best selling Catholic book worldwide

(February 24, 2012) The co-creator of the Church’s catechism for youth, know as “Youcat”, has said that it is now the top selling Catholic book in the world. “The latest figures show that Youcat has sold 1.7 million copies worldwide. It’s been a great success in nearly every country where it has been published,” said German publisher Bernard Meuser in a Feb. 23 interview with CNA news agency. “For example, it is number one in Spain, number one in America, and number one in Germany along with the Pope’s latest book.” In 2006 Austrian Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Vienna and Meuser decided to work on a catechism that transmitted the Church’s teachings “in a way that younger people can understand.” Over the next five years the two men worked with theologians, educators, priests, and over 60 young people to create “Youcat.” The distinctive, slim, yellow volume was published ahead of the 2011 World Youth Day in Madrid, and contains 527 questions and answers. They are accompanied by numerous quotations, images and illustrations including their trademark “stick man” who becomes animated by the rapid flicking of each page. The book is currently published in 20 languages, but Meuser said that by next year that total will rise to 30, including Chinese and Arabic.