An earlier cathedral of St Joseph stood on the site from the late 19th century but was destroyed by bombing during the Second World War. During his visit to Bulgaria in 2002, Pope John Paul II blessed the foundation stone of a new church, and the present cathedral was completed and consecrated in 2006.
The modern building has a bright, simple interior with stained glass. A statue of John Paul II stands in front of it, recalling the papal visit that started the rebuilding. The cathedral serves Sofia's Catholic community, which includes both Bulgarians and many foreign residents.
The cathedral is on Knyaz Boris I Street in the city centre, within walking distance of Banya Bashi Mosque and the Central Market Hall, so it fits into a walk around Sofia's different places of worship.
