Redemptoris Custos

On the Person and Mission of Saint Joseph

St. John Paul II1989-08-15Current

Read official document on Vatican.va ↗Return to library

Overview

Reflects on Saint Joseph’s marriage, fatherhood, work, interior life, and service within the mystery of the Incarnation.

Why This Document Matters

It is a central modern magisterial source on Saint Joseph and his place in salvation history.

Historical Context

Issued by St. John Paul II in 1989, this apostolic exhortation addresses the pastoral, doctrinal, or governing needs of its period while remaining part of the Church's continuing documentary tradition.

Authority and Status

Genre: Apostolic Exhortation
Authority class: Papal apostolic exhortation
Juridical force: Doctrinal and pastoral
Current status: Current
Promulgated: 1989-08-15

Authoritative papal pastoral and magisterial guidance; any cited definitive teaching retains its own proper authority.

Key Points

ChristologyMarriage & FamilySpirituality & Prayer

Major Themes

ChristologyMarriage & FamilySpirituality & Prayer

Related CatholicG33k Resources

Official Text

Redemptoris Custos

The official document text is hosted by the Holy See. CatholicG33k provides contextual and educational material but does not reproduce the complete Vatican text here.

Read official document on Vatican.va ↗Source verified 2026-08-25 · Opens in a new tab