Apostolic Letter of Pope Francis: "Patris Corde"

In a new Apostolic Letter entitled Patris Corde ("With a Father's Heart"), Pope Francis describes Saint Joseph as a beloved father, a tender and loving father, an obedient father, an accepting father; a father who is creatively courageous, a working father, a father in the shadows.

The Letter marks the 150th anniversity of Blessed Pope Pius IX's declaration of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To celebrate the anniversary, Pope Francis has proclaimed a special "Year of St. Joseph," beginning on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 2020 (December 8th) and extending to the same feast in 2021.

Below is the beginning of the Apostolic Letter. Click on the document to read the full Letter.