Cathedral of St. Joseph, Sofia

The Cathedral of Saint Joseph is a significant Roman Catholic church located in Sofia. This cathedral was reconstructed at its original site after being severely damaged by Allied bombing during World War II. It was officially opened on May 21, 2006, with the presence of Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano, who is the Dean of the College of Cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church. The foundation stone for the new cathedral was laid by Pope John Paul II during his visit to Bulgaria in 2002.

Saint Joseph Cathedral in Bulgaria is the country's largest Catholic cathedral, with seating for 350 and room for up to 1,000 worshipers. It measures 23 meters in length, 15 meters in width, and has a main body height of 19 meters, with a 33 meters tall tower housing four electronic bells. Inside, there's a prominent 7 meters wooden cross of Christ above the altar, accompanied by an icon of Mary presented by Patriarch Maxim. Statues of the patron saints of the cathedral and Saint Francis of Assisi flank the presbytery.

On the right side of the entrance, you'll find an icon of God's Mercy with the words "Jesus, I trust in thee," linked to devotion to Divine Mercy and Saint Faustina Kowalska's teachings. Near the entrance, there's a statue of Mary in Lourdes, marking her apparition to Saint Bernadette Subiru in 1858, which led to the Immaculate Conception declaration. On the opposite side are statues of revered Catholic saints, including Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and Saint Anthony of Padua.

Outside the cathedral, near the fence, there is a statue of Pope John XXIII, consecrated by Pope John Paul II during his 2002 visit to the parish.