"The external forms may change, but the meaning and content of these vows are hidden in the heart of hearts of those who feel bonded to the bishop of Rome and acknowledge the uniqueness of his service for the Church and for the whole human family, well beyond the visible Catholic boundaries". This was written on the front page of the newspaper of the Holy See, L’Osservatore Romano, by its editor in chief, Gian Maria Vian, as he made his best wishes to the Pope for his name-day, which falls today, Saint Joseph’s Day.” “"In the Christian tradition, the feast of the patron saint writes Vian prevails over that of the birthday, and this is corroborated by the Vatican custom of publicly celebrating the name-day of the Roman Pontiff instead of his birthday. Thus actually reflecting, according to an extremely ancient custom, on the name". ” “The editor in chief of the Vatican newspaper adds that "the Pope’s Christian name (nomen) somehow mysteriously foreshadows and encloses the fate (omen) of his life and his role as the guardian of the Christian tradition, which is a lively tradition that confidently looks to the future". L’Osservatore Romano has publicly sent its wishes to the Pope on his name-day since 1861.” “
