Pope Francis has recently approved a Catholic spiritual devotion centred in Medjugorje. The Pontiff recognised the “positive fruits” for Catholics who engage in the spiritual experience associated with the town. Niall Glynn, managing director of Marian Pilgrimages, commented ” People are finding that Medjugorje is a lot bigger than that in the sense of just the apparitions or just the visionaries itself.” He added, “It’s a very positive step by the Vatican to acknowledge the fruits of Medjugorje, which our pilgrims have experienced for the past 30 years. It’s wonderful for them to finally see some recognition that Medjugorje is a place of prayer and spiritual growth.”

However, the Vatican’s doctrinal office clarified that the Pope was not affirming the authenticity of the messages from the claimed apparitions of Our Lady. Instead, it stated that the Pope “recognises” the spirituality and prayer for Medjugorje.