Since the reported Marian apparitions began in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in 1981, the small village has become a global pilgrimage site, drawing millions seeking spiritual renewal. Pope Francis has played a significant role in supporting the faithful who visit Medjugorje, acknowledging the profound spiritual fruits of the site while carefully navigating the question of the apparitions’ supernatural authenticity. His actions demonstrate a pastoral approach that emphasizes devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the transformative power of faith, aligning with the Church’s tradition of fostering Marian piety.

Authorization of Pilgrimages

One of Pope Francis’s most notable contributions to Medjugorje was his formal authorization of organized pilgrimages in May 2019. This decision marked a significant shift, as it allowed dioceses and parishes to officially organize trips to the site, recognizing the “abundant fruits of grace” experienced by pilgrims. The Vatican clarified that this authorization was not an endorsement of the apparitions’ authenticity but an acknowledgment of the spiritual benefits, such as conversions, vocations, and renewed faith, reported by millions. This move reflected Pope Francis’s pastoral sensitivity, ensuring that the faithful could engage with Medjugorje without doctrinal ambiguity.

Appointment of Apostolic Visitors

Pope Francis further demonstrated his commitment to Medjugorje by appointing apostolic visitors to oversee the site’s pastoral needs. In 2017, he named Archbishop Henryk Hoser as a special envoy to assess the pastoral situation, emphasizing the needs of pilgrims and the local community. Hoser’s findings highlighted the genuine expressions of faith and numerous vocations emerging from Medjugorje. Following Hoser’s appointment as apostolic visitor in 2018, and after his passing in 2021, Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Aldo Cavalli to continue this mission. These appointments ensured that Medjugorje remained under Vatican oversight, fostering a structured environment for devotion while promoting the site’s spiritual vitality.

Nihil Obstat and Approval of Devotion

In September 2024, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, with Pope Francis’s assent, issued a historic note titled “The Queen of Peace,” granting a nihil obstat to the spiritual experience of Medjugorje. This authoritative judgment recognized the “abundant spiritual fruits” of the site, including conversions, returns to the sacraments, and reconciliations, without declaring the apparitions supernatural. The note emphasized that these fruits are most evident in pilgrimages to the original sites of the alleged apparitions, rather than in encounters with the visionaries. By approving public acts of devotion to Mary as the Queen of Peace, Pope Francis affirmed Medjugorje’s role as a place of authentic Marian spirituality, encouraging the faithful to encounter Christ through Mary.

Support for the Messages’ Spiritual Value

The 2024 Vatican note, approved by Pope Francis, also addressed the alleged messages attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary in Medjugorje. While not confirming their supernatural origin, the Dicastery noted that most messages are edifying, promoting peace, conversion, and a deeper relationship with Christ. Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery, highlighted messages such as “I desire to draw you ever closer to Jesus and his wounded heart” (November 25, 1991) as reflective of Gospel values. The note cautioned against over-reliance on the visionaries or messages with apocalyptic tones but affirmed their overall pastoral value. Pope Francis’s approval of this assessment underscores his support for the spiritual richness of Medjugorje’s message, provided it is discerned prudently.

Pastoral Emphasis on Mary’s Role

Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has emphasized Mary as a mother and guide, a perspective that aligns with his approach to Medjugorje. In 2017, he expressed personal skepticism about the ongoing apparitions, preferring to see Mary as “our Mother” rather than a “telegraph operator” delivering daily messages. However, he consistently acknowledged the undeniable spiritual and pastoral impact of Medjugorje, stating, “People go there and convert. People encounter God, change their lives.” This focus on the lived faith of pilgrims reflects his broader theology of Mary as a companion who leads the faithful to Christ, a theme central to Medjugorje’s spirituality.

A Balanced Approach

Pope Francis’s support for Medjugorje is characterized by a balanced approach that respects both the devotion of the faithful and the Church’s need for discernment. By authorizing pilgrimages, appointing apostolic visitors, and approving devotion through the nihil obstat, he has ensured that Medjugorje remains a vibrant center of Marian spirituality while maintaining ecclesiastical oversight. His actions echo the sentiments of his predecessors, such as St. John Paul II, who reportedly viewed Medjugorje favorably, and align with the Church’s tradition of evaluating apparitions based on their spiritual fruits, as articulated by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger in 1985.

Conclusion

Pope Francis’s positive support for Medjugorje reflects his commitment to fostering Marian devotion and nurturing the faith of millions who find inspiration at the site. Through his authorization of pilgrimages, appointment of apostolic visitors, and approval of devotion, he has affirmed Medjugorje’s role as a place of encounter with Mary, the Queen of Peace. While withholding judgment on the apparitions’ supernatural character, his actions highlight the transformative power of faith, conversion, and prayer, ensuring that Medjugorje continues to serve as a beacon of hope and spiritual renewal for the global Church.