Reassessing Japan’s Letters of Gratitude to Pope Paul V in the Vatican Apostolic Library: Implications of a Newly Discovered Manuscript in Florence

This article reexamines Japan’s Letters of Gratitude to Pope Paul V, preserved in the Vatican Apostolic Library, considering a newly discovered manuscript in Florence. It traces the historical context of Christianity’s introduction to Japan, the persecution under the Tokugawa shogunate, and Pope Paul V’s pastoral support during the Jubilee Year of 1617. In response, Japanese Christians sent heartfelt letters affirming their faith and unity with the Church. These documents reflect enduring spiritual resilience and a profound dialogue between Japan and the papacy.