Vatican to Decide on Virgin Mary Apparitions in Bosnia
- The Vatican has conducted a lengthy investigation into the reported Virgin Mary apparitions in Medjugorje, Bosnia, which began in 1981.
- Pope Francis has previously expressed doubts about the ongoing claims of apparitions while acknowledging the spiritual conversions occurring at the site.
- The upcoming announcement is anticipated to significantly impact the local economy, which is heavily dependent on religious tourism.
The Vatican is preparing to announce its assessment of the reported Virgin Mary apparitions in Medjugorje, Bosnia, after nearly 15 years of investigation led by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández. The original visions began in 1981, with some 'seers' claiming daily occurrences since then, which has turned Medjugorje into a significant pilgrimage site, attracting millions of visitors. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI established an international commission to investigate these claims, focusing on distinguishing the original visions from ongoing reports. Pope Francis has expressed skepticism about the current claims but acknowledged the spiritual impact of the site, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation to protect the faithful from potential exploitation. The outcome of the Vatican's announcement is expected to influence the local economy, which heavily relies on religious tourism, as the municipality of Citluk has recognized Medjugorje as a key driver for its development.