Pope emeritus Benedict XVI has paid tribute to the Year of St Joseph declared by Pope Francis and urged Catholics to read Francis’ apostolic letter Patris corde, describing it as a simple text “coming from the heart and going to the heart, yet containing such profound depth”.
In an interview with the German Catholic weekly newspaper Die Tagespost, the 93-year-old, whose baptismal patron saint is Joseph, also talked about family memories, and impressions from his pilgrimages to the Holy Land.
“I am of course particularly delighted that Pope Francis has drawn the attention of the Faithful to St Joseph,” Benedict XVI said in the interview which was published in full April 1.
“I have therefore read with particular gratitude and heartfelt approval the apostolic letter Patris corde, which the Holy Father issued on the occasion of the elevation of St Joseph to patron saint of the entire Church 150 years ago.”
“I think that this text should be read and considered again and again by the Faithful and thus contribute to a purification and deepening of our veneration of the saints in general and of St Joseph in particular.”
