The Vatican has approved devotion associated with Medjugorje, acknowledging the significant spiritual benefits reported by pilgrims to the site in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), with Pope Francis’s assent, released a Note highlighting the “abundant and widespread fruits” stemming from the devotion.
Despite recognizing these positive outcomes, the Vatican did not declare the alleged Marian apparitions as supernatural.
The DDF stated that their conclusions “do not imply a judgment about the moral life of the alleged visionaries,” and that the focus should remain on the spiritual fruits rather than the authenticity of the visions.
The Note advises pilgrims to seek an encounter with Mary, the Queen of Peace, and Jesus Christ through prayer and the sacraments, rather than pursuing meetings with the visionaries.
“Evaluating the abundant and widespread fruits does not imply that the alleged supernatural events are declared authentic,” the document said.
Public acts of devotion at Medjugorje are now authorized, and bishops are encouraged to “appreciate the pastoral value of this spiritual proposal.”
This ruling allows Catholics to engage in the spiritual practices linked to Medjugorje, focusing on deepening their faith and experiencing the reported positive spiritual fruits.
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