Joe, perhaps you should check the catechist documents before making any definitive statement. We have a man who doesn't believe in independent thought for the layity as our Cardinal and director of doctrine, and despite the fact that he is the biggest reactionary in the country, even he doesn't mention the devil. For the last ten years, Catholic schools here have not taught children the devil exists as a being. (the story of the fallen angels is still there, but we just don't dwell on it.) I believe part of it is "the devil made me do it" is a crappy excuse. Let's take responsibility for our actions, people. I can only tell you about my experience. It could be that elsewhere in the world, children are still enjoying contemplating an eternity of burning and torture, but here in Australia the after-life is you are either in God's presence (happy!) or not (sad).
I would like to point out that the story about Jesus in the desert is a STORY - not an eye-witness account of events. It is meant to show Jesus was a prophet in the Jewish tradition.
I was going to reply, MAYBE, BUT HERE IN AUSTRALIA WE DON'T. GET WITH THE TIMES PEOPLE. I will leave it up to you to decide which one you prefer. The polite, wordy one, or the rude succinct one.