During the press conference, the Vatican recognized many positive spiritual fruits of Medugorje. Although at the same time some problems, many to do with mistranslation. Without going deep into the notes, I recommend your visiting the Vatican site to read the whole document. There is no recognition of a supernatural source of visions or messages. And it states that there will be a need to continue to discern future messages.

Read the conclusions, but read the whole document here.

Conclusions

38. Through the Nihil obstat about a spiritual event, the faithful “are authorized to give it their adherence in a prudent manner” (Norms, art. 22, §1; cf. Benedict XVI, Verbum Domini, par. 14). While this does not imply a declaration of the supernatural character of the phenomenon in question (cf. Norms, art. 22, §2)—and recalling that the faithful are not obliged to believe in it—the Nihil obstat indicates that the faithful can receive a positive encouragement for their Christian life through this spiritual proposal, and it authorizes public acts of devotion. Such a determination is possible insofar as many positive fruits have been noted in the midst of a spiritual experience, while negative and dangerous effects have not spread among the People of God.

Evaluating the abundant and widespread fruits, which are so beautiful and positive, does not imply that the alleged supernatural events are declared authentic. Instead, it only highlights that the Holy Spirit is acting fruitfully for the good of the faithful “in the midst” of this spiritual phenomenon of Medjugorje. For this reason, all are invited to appreciate and share the pastoral value of this spiritual proposal (cf. Norms, par. 17).

Moreover, the positive assessment that most of the messages of Medjugorje are edifying does not imply a declaration that they have a direct supernatural origin. Consequently, when referring to “messages” from Our Lady, one should always bear in mind that they are “alleged messages.”

39. The elements gathered in this Note make it possible to recognize that the conditions are present to proceed with the determination of a Nihil obstat. The Bishop of Mostar-Duvno will issue the corresponding decree. The special Apostolic Visitor for the Parish of Medjugorje, who will continue to carry out the functions entrusted to him, should verify that this Note is included as an Introduction in any publication that collects the messages. In light of the clarifications offered above, he will then discern any future messages—or past messages that have not yet been published—and should authorize them before any publication. Likewise, he will take such measures as he deems necessary and will guide pastoral discernment in response to new situations that may arise, keeping this Dicastery informed.

40. Although there may be different opinions about the authenticity of some facts or certain aspects of this spiritual experience, the ecclesiastical authorities of the places where it is present are invited to “appreciate the pastoral value of this spiritual proposal, and even to promote its spread” (Norms, par. 17). However, the power of each Diocesan Bishop to assess prudently what is happening in his own territory and to make his own decision on the matter remains firmly in place (cf. Norms, art. 7, §3). While the positive fruits of this spiritual phenomenon are widely spread throughout the world, this does not deny that there may be groups or persons who, by misusing this spiritual phenomenon, act in a mistaken way. Each Diocesan Bishop, in his own Diocese, has the freedom and authority to make the prudential decisions he deems necessary for the good of the People of God.

41. In any case, may the people who go to Medjugorje be strongly advised that pilgrimages are not made to meet with alleged visionaries but to have an encounter with Mary, the Queen of Peace, and—faithful to her love for her Son—to encounter Christ and listen to him through meditation on the Word, by participation in the Eucharist, and in Eucharistic Adoration, as happens in so many shrines spread all over the world in which the Virgin Mary is venerated with the most varied titles.

42. Let us read one last message, which summarizes the valuable Christocentric sense of the message of Medjugorje and manifests its most authentic spirit:

“Dear children, my words are simple […]. I am calling you to my Son. Only he can transform despair and suffering into peace and serenity. Only he can give hope in the deepest sorrows. My Son is the life of the world. The more you come to know him, the closer you come to him, and all the more will you love him because my Son is Love. Love changes everything; even that which seems insignificant to you apart from love is made most beautiful by love.” (2 September 2018).

Queen of Peace, pray that those who freely accept the spiritual proposal of Medjugorje may live ever more united with Jesus Christ and find true peace of heart in him.

To you, we also entrust this world of ours, which is succumbing to a “third world war fought piecemeal.” Queen of Peace, hear the plea that rises from the hearts of children, young people, the poor, and every person of goodwill.

“Thank you, our Mother! Looking to you, who are without sin, may we continue to believe and hope that love might conquer hatred, that truth might conquer lies, that pardon might conquer offenses, that peace might conquer war. So may it be!” (Francis, Prayer to Mary Immaculate, 8 December 2022).

The Supreme Pontiff Francis, at the Audience granted to the undersigned Prefect, together with the Secretary for the Doctrinal Section of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, on 28 August 2024, approved this Note and ordered its publication.

Given in Rome, at the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, 19 September 2024.

Víctor Manuel Card. Fernández
Prefect

Msgr. Armando Matteo
Secretary for the Doctrinal Section

Ex Audientia Die 28.08.2024

Franciscus