Stepfather/ Foster father

[CyrilSebastian]

In some Roman Catholic descriptions, St. Joseph is the “stepfather” of Jesus. In other descriptions, St. Joseph is the “foster father” of Jesus. Which fatherly title is correct? Is there a specific Catholic doctrine that has defined this?

 

[Cristiano]

The Latin title is pater putativus.

 

[paperwight66]

Which is why, in Spanish, the name 'José '(Joseph) is changed to the nickname ‘Pepe’ (i.e. p.p. = padre putativo - presumed or supposed father) or so I’ve been told.