Though not without its strengths, the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church fails to present a clear and concise synthesis of the principles of Catholic social teaching. While parts of the Compendium are very precise, other sections are likely to facilitate considerable confusion among those who desire to know and understand the principles of the Churchs social doctrine. Careful analysis of the Compendiums structure, method, and content indicates that the texts problems primarily stem from departures from the guidelines set forth for the Compendiums drafting in John Paul IIs Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in America (1999).
Samuel Gregg, "A Lost Opportunity: The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church-A Review Essay," Journal of Markets & Morality 9, no. 2 (Fall 2006): 261-276