With a picture of the Virgin of Guadalupe next to the main altar, the Holy Father began the homily saying: “Looking at Mary’s image, Mary of Guadalupe pregnant, who announces the birth of the Saviour as Mother, with what tenderness she says to the Indian: “Do not be afraid. Am I not here who am your Mother?” (Nican Mopohua, 118-119). Here, Mary’s maternity is revealed. And regarding this mystery of Guadalupe, which sadly many ideologies redirect to take ideological advantage, there comes to mind three simple things, which they do to the message: the tilma, the Mother and the rose, very simple things.” 

Then, referring to the Virgin’s maternity, he said: “Mary’s maternity is engraved in that simple tilma. Mary’s maternity is shown with the beauty of the roses that the Indian finds and carries; and Mary’s maternity does the miracle of taking the faith to hearts, somewhat incredulous, of the Prelates.”

Referring to the maguey fibre cloth and the flowers, the Pontiff continued: “The tilma, the rose and the Indian: all that is said beyond this of the Guadalupan mystery is a lie, it’s to want to use it for ideologies. The Guadalupan mystery is to be venerated and to be heard in our ears. “Am I not here who am your Mother?” And that must be heard at all moments of life: the different difficult moments of life, the joyful moments of life, the daily moments of life. “Do not be afraid. Am I not here who am your Mother?” And this is the Guadalupan message, the rest are ideologies.”

Finally, the Pope said: “We go with Our Lady’s image on the Indian’s tilma, and, listening as in a ditty, which with a repetitive voice says to us: “Do not be afraid. Am I not here who am your Mother?” “So be it.”

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John Traynor’s journey was marked by suffering, resilience, and unwavering faith. Born in Liverpool to an Irish mother, he enlisted in the Royal Navy at the onset of World War I. The brutal conflict left him severely wounded on multiple occasions. First injured near Antwerp in 1914, he later sustained devastating injuries during the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign in 1915. By 1923, Traynor was paralyzed, epileptic, and partially blind, with a body ravaged by numerous failed surgeries.

Despite his deteriorating health and the skepticism of both doctors and clergy, Traynor joined a pilgrimage to Lourdes, accompanying the inaugural delegation from Liverpool’s archdiocese. His determination defied medical prognosis and the counsel of those around him, as he firmly believed that if he were to die, Lourdes was the best place to do so.

On July 25, 1923, Traynor experienced what would later be deemed miraculous. After being immersed in the sacred baths and participating in the Eucharistic procession, he found himself completely healed. The transformation was immediate and undeniable. Medical professionals present on the pilgrimage confirmed his recovery on the spot.

Returning to Liverpool, Traynor’s life took on a new mission. He devoted himself to serving others, becoming a stretcher-bearer for annual pilgrimages to Lourdes until the outbreak of World War II. His robust health, humble demeanor, and steadfast faith became a source of inspiration for those who knew him.

Traynor’s healing was first submitted to the Bureau des Constatations Médicales in 1926, where it was meticulously examined. However, it took over a century for the Church to formally declare it a miracle, a decision announced by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon of Liverpool in 2024.

What makes this story so compelling is not only the miraculous healing itself but also the life Traynor led afterward. Despite his physical hardships, he remained virtuous, selfless, and deeply faithful. His simple yet profound devotion to the Virgin Mary and the Eucharist had roots in his mother’s piety, which left an indelible mark on him.

John Traynor’s story is more than a tale of divine intervention—it is a narrative of human perseverance, the enduring power of faith, and the mysteries of grace. Today, his miracle serves as a reminder of hope and the potential for transformation, even when all seems lost.

In Lourdes, where millions have sought solace and healing, the recognition of this 71st miracle adds yet another chapter to the sanctuary’s legacy, affirming that faith often moves at its own pace, but always with purpose.

In this link you can read the position of the Lourdes Shrine and then the official pronouncement of the Archbishop of Liverpool.

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Dear brothers and sisters, good morning and happy feast day!

Today, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the Gospel tells us about one of the most important, most beautiful moments in the history of humanity: the Annunciation (cf. Lk 26-38), when Mary’s “yes” to the Archangel Gabriel permitted the Incarnation of the Son of God, Jesus. It is a scene that inspires the greatest wonder and emotion because God, the Most High, the Omnipotent, by means of the Angel converses with a young girl from Nazareth, asking for her collaboration for His plan of salvation. If today you find a little time, look in the Gospel of Saint Luke and read this scene. I assure you that it will do you good, a lot of good!

As in the scene of the creation of Adam, painted by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel, where the finger of the heavenly Father touches the finger of the man; thus here too the human and the divine encounter each other, at the beginning of our Redemption, they meet with a wonderful delicacy, in the blessed instant in which the Virgin Mary utters her “yes”. She is a woman in a small peripheral village and is called for ever to the centre of history: on her answer depends the fate of humanity, which can smile and hope again, because its destiny has been placed in good hands. She will be the one to bear the Saviour, conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Mary, then, as the Archangel Gabriel greets her, is “full of grace” (Lk 1:28), the Immaculate, entirely at the service of the Word of God, always with the Lord, to whom she entrusts herself completely. In her, there is nothing that resists His will, nothing that opposes truth and charity. Here is her blessedness, which all generations will sing. Let us also rejoice because the Immaculate has given us Jesus, who is our salvation!

Brothers and sisters, contemplating this mystery we can ask ourselves: in our time, ravaged by wars and bent on the effort to possess and dominate, where do I place my hope? In strength, in money, in powerful friends? Do I place my hope there? Or in God’s infinite mercy? And in the face of the shiny false models circulating in the media and on the internet, where do I look for my happiness? Where is the treasure of my heart? Is it in the fact that God loves me freely, that His love always goes before me, and is ready to forgive me when I return repentant to Him? In that filial hope in God’s love? Or am I deluding myself in trying to assert my ego and my will at all costs?

Brothers and sisters, as the opening of the Holy Door of the Jubilee approaches, let us open the doors of the heart and the mind to the Lord. He is born of Mary Immaculate: let us implore the intercession of Mary. And I will give you a piece of advice. Today it is a good day to decide to make a good Confession. If you cannot go today, this week, until next Sunday, open your heart and the Lord will forgive everything, everything, everything. And so, in Mary’s hands, we will be happier.

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“Hail, full of grace” (Lk 1:28). With these words of greeting in the lowly house of Nazareth, the Angel revealed to Mary the mystery of her immaculate heart, “preserved free from all stain of original sin” from the moment of her conception (BL. PIUS IX, Ineffabilis Deus, 8 December 1854). In a variety of ways, down the centuries, Christians have sought to describe that gift in words and images, emphasizing the tenderness and grace of Our Lady, “blessed among all women” (cf. Lk 1:42) by portraying her with the native features and characteristics of any number of different peoples and cultures.

As Saint Paul VI observed, the Mother of God shows us “what all of us have deep in our hearts: the authentic image of humanity… innocent and holy… Mary’s being is pure harmony, candour, simplicity; it is complete transparency, kindness, perfection; it is utter beauty” (Homily on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, 8 December 1963). Mary is pure harmony, candour and simplicity.

Let us pause for a moment to contemplate Mary’s beauty in the light of the Word of God, focusing on three aspects of her life that remind us of her closeness to us. What are these three aspects? Mary as daughter, bride and mother.

First, let us consider the Immaculate Virgin as daughter. Sacred Scripture does not speak of Mary’s childhood. The Gospel presents her to us as she enters upon the stage of history: a young girl of deep faith, humble and simple. Mary is the “virgin” (cf. Lk 1:27) whose gaze reflects the Father’s love. Within Mary’s pure heart, her gratuitous love and thankfulness give colour and fragrance to her holiness. Our Lady appears before us as a beautiful flower that grew unnoticed until it finally blossomed in the gift of self. Mary’s life is a continuous gift of self-giving.

This brings us to the second dimension of Mary’s beauty: that of a bride, chosen by God as a companion for his plan of salvation (cf. Lumen Gentium, 61). This is what the Council said: God chose Mary. He chose a woman as his helper to carry out the plan of salvation. There is no salvation without a woman since the Church herself is also woman. She responded “Yes” by saying, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord” (Lk 1:38).

She is a “handmaid” not in the sense of being “servile” and “humiliated”, but in the sense that she was “trusted” and “esteemed” as one to whom the Lord entrusted his dearest treasures and the most important missions. Mary’s beauty, multifaceted like that of a diamond, reveals a new face: one of fidelity, loyalty and loving concern, all of which are typical of the mutual love of spouses. Saint John Paul II understood just this when he wrote that the Immaculate Virgin “accepted her election as Mother of the Son of God, guided by spousal love, the love which totally ‘consecrates’ a human being to God” (Redemptoris Mater, 39).

We now come to the third dimension of Mary’s beauty. What is this third dimension? Mary as mother.

She is most often depicted as a mother with the Child Jesus in her arms or bending over the Son of God as he lay in the manger (cf. Lk 2:7). She was present beside her Son throughout his life, ever close in her maternal care yet hidden in her humility. We witness this closeness at Cana, where she interceded for the bride and groom (cf. Jn 2:3-5), at Capernaum, where she was praised for listening to the Word of God (cf. Lk 11:27-28) and finally at the foot of the cross – the mother of a condemned man –, where Jesus himself gave her to us as our mother (cf. Jn 19:25-27). There, at the foot of the cross, the Immaculate Virgin is beautiful in her fruitfulness, since she recognizes that she must die to herself in order to give life, forget herself in order to care for the poor and vulnerable who turn to her.

All these things are contained in Mary’s pure Heart, a heart that is free from sin, docile to the working of the Holy Spirit (cf. Redemptoris Mater, 13) and ready to offer to God, out of love, “the full submission of intellect and will” (Dei Verbum, 5; cf. Dei Filius, 3).

There is the risk, however, of thinking that Mary’s beauty is somehow remote, out of reach, unattainable. That is not the case. We too have received this beauty as a gift in Baptism, when we were freed from sin and became sons and daughters of God. Like the Virgin Mary, we are called to cultivate this beauty with a filial, spousal and maternal love. Like her, may we be grateful for what we have received and generous in what we give back. May we be men and women who are ready to say “Thank you” and “Yes”, not just with our words, but above all by our actions –it is a beautiful thing to find men and women who say “Thank you” and “Yes” through their actions – ever ready to make room for the Lord in our plans and aspirations, eager to embrace with maternal tenderness the brothers and sisters we encounter on our way.

The Immaculate Virgin is not a myth, an abstract doctrine or an impossible ideal. She is the model of a beautiful and concrete project, the perfect example of our humanity. As we imitate her, may all of us, by God’s grace, help to change our world for the better.

Sadly, if we look around us, we realize that the presumption that we can be “like God” (cf. Gen 3:1-6), which led to the first sin, continues to wound our human family. Neither love nor happiness can arise from this presumption of self-sufficiency. Those who see the rejection of any stable and lasting bond in life as progress do not grant freedom. Those who deprive fathers and mothers of respect, those who do not want children, those who reduce others to mere objects or treat them as nuisances, those who consider sharing with others a waste, and solidarity an impoverishment, cannot spread joy or build a future. What is the use of having a full bank account, a comfortable home, unreal virtual relationships, if our hearts remain cold, empty and closed?   What is the use of achieving great financial growth in privileged countries if half the world is starving or ravaged by war, and the others look on with indifference? What is the use of travelling around the world if every encounter is reduced to a passing impression or a photograph that no one will remember in a few days or months?

Brothers and sisters, let us look to Mary Immaculate and ask her to conquer us through her loving Heart. May she convert us and make us a community in which filial, spousal and maternal love may be a rule and criterion of life. Only then will families be united, will spouses truly share everything, will parents be physically present and close to their children and children will take care of their parents. That is the beauty we see in the Immaculate Virgin; that is the “beauty that saves the world”. Like Mary, we too want to respond by saying to the Lord: “Behold… Let it be to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38).

We are celebrating this Eucharist with the new Cardinals. I have asked them, my brothers, to help me in my pastoral service to the Universal Church. They have come from many parts of the world, bringing great wisdom, in order to contribute to the growth and spread of the Kingdom of God. Let us now entrust them in a special way to the intercession of the Mother of our Saviour.

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* * *

Immaculate Virgin,

Mother, Immaculate Mother,

today is your feast and we gather around you.

The flowers we offer you intend to express 

our love and gratitude;

but you see and appreciate above all those hidden flowers

that are the prayers, sighs, including tears,

especially the tears of the little ones and of the poor.

Look at them, Mother, look at them. 

Our Mother, Rome is preparing for a new Jubilee,

which will be a message of hope for humanity,

tested by crises and wars.

Therefore, there are works underway in all parts of the city:

this, you know, causes quite a few inconveniences,

but it is a sign that Rome is alive,

that Rome is being renewed, that Rome intends to adapt to the needs,

to be more welcoming and more functional.

But your Mother’s gaze sees beyond,

and it seems to me I hear her voice

that says to us wisely: ‘My children,

these works are well and good but, be careful:

do not forget the works of the soul!

The true Jubilee is within:

within, within your hearts, you say,

within family and social relationships.

It is within where we must work to prepare

the way of the Lord who is coming.

And it is a good occasion

to make a good Confession

and to ask pardon for all sins.

God forgives all, God forgives always.

Mary Immaculate, we thank you!

This recommendation of yours does us good,

we need it so much because, unintentionally,

we run the risk of remaining totally trapped

by organization, by the things we have to do,

and then the grace of the Holy Year,

which is a time of spiritual renewal, which is a time for forgiveness and of social liberation,

this grace of the Jubilee cannot have a happy outcome,

can remain somewhat suffocated.

But here the Mayor is preparing everything so that, this commemoration,

in this Holy Year, will have a good outcome. Let us pray for the Mayor who has so much work.

No doubt, Mary, you were present

in the synagogue of Nazareth

that day in which Jesus preached for the first time

to the people of His land.

He read the scroll of the prophet Isaiah:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

because He has anointed me to

preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release

to the captives

and recovering of sight to the blind,

to set at liberty those who are

oppressed.

To proclaim the acceptable year of

the Lord” (Luke 4:18-19).

Then He sat down and said: “Today this scripture has

been fulfilled in your hearing” (v. 22).

And You, Mother, were there, in the midst of the astonished people.

You were proud of Him, of your Son,

and, at the same time, you foresaw the drama

of the closure and envy, which generates violence.

You went through this drama

and always do so, with your Immaculate Heart

full of love of the Heart of Jesus.

Mother, free us of envy:

may we all be brothers who love one another.

No envy. Envy, that ugly yellow vice,

that ruins within. 

And today also, Mother, you repeat to us:

“Listen to Jesus, listen to Him!

Listen to Him and do whatever He tells you” (cf. John 2:5).

Thank you, Holy Mother! Thank you because in this time poor in hope, you still give us Jesus, our Hope. Thank you, Mother.

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We talked about this with Sister Angela Coelho, who was the Postulator of the Causes of Canonization of Saint Jacinta and Saint Francisco Marto, and above all because of her personal link with Sister Lucia of Fatima. Today Sister Angela works to obtain from Heaven and the Church something that for her is an evident truth: Sister Lucia of Fatima’s sanctity.

Q: You are the Postulator of the Cause of Canonization of Sister Lucia de Jesus Rosa dos Santos (Sister Lucia of Fatima). She died in 2005 . . . Did you have the opportunity to know her before her death? How did that meeting impact your life? 

A: Yes, I had the opportunity to meet her on five occasions between 2001 and 2004. What impressed me most was the sanctity of her life. Her very normal, very natural style made me understand that holiness isn’t something that transforms one into an odd person. She was a very concrete person of our time.

One of the things that most impressed me was a visit she had from an important gentleman of the United States, who had many requests and questions, above all requests for Sister Lucia for one or another intention. And she always answered him: “I pray, but you also must pray the Rosary every day. In face of all requests, that was her answer. Then I said to myself . . .  if this woman, who knows much more than we do, insists that we pray the Rosary every day, this prayer must have something that is very important.

Q: Of the personal documents written by Sister Lucia that you know of today, and which are not of public access . . . Please, can you refer to one of them that you consider of high value for the process of canonization of the little shepherdess?

A: Well, I cannot talk about the documents that have not yet been published. But I can mention (that they show) her immense love for the Eucharistic Jesus, for the Virgin, for the Heart of Mary and her great love for her brothers and sisters who wrote to her asking for prayers. So Sister Lucia is truly a woman who intercedes, who prays a lot for us.

Q: The revelations that are attributed to an Angel, to the Virgin, to Jesus which occurred in Fatima and other places, are stories of Lucia. What are the main arguments of the Authorities of the Church to declare as credible the apparitions and revelations that Sister Lucia attests?

A: In the first place, the contents of the messages are all coherent with the public revelation and the Doctrine of the Church. There is nothing, nothing in the Virgin’s sayings that is contrary to the Doctrine (of the Church). Moreover, the conduct of the visionaries was always morally very faithful to the teachings of the Church and also very obedient to the Church. However, a very important sign to approve the apparitions was the miracle of the sun that the three little shepherds anticipated three months before, which 70,000 people saw and in their (thousands) of testimonies said they saw.

Q: Please mention a personal experience or that of third parties that have convinced you that Sister Lucia of Fatima is a Saint.

A: Reading her texts, I am personally convinced of her high level of sanctity surrendered for us. But there are also stories of many graces – none has characteristics of a miracle – that prove to me how people go to Lucia to ask for something, trusting in her intercessory power.

Q: Did Sister Lucia have doubts about the veracity of the apparitions and the revelations received? Why did she doubt? How did she resolve these doubts?

A: It happened briefly between Jjne and July of 1917. People who said to her that it was all a deception and she doubted at times. She resolved these doubts because Jacinta and Francisco prayed a lot for her.

Q: As Postulator are you already informed about some possible miracles that are attributed to God’s extraordinary mercy through Sister Lucia of Fatima’s intercession? 

A: There are no miracles yet.

Q: Was the reality of sexual abuses, of conscience and power attributed to members of the clergy, warned about in some way in the Fatima messages or in some writings of Sister Lucia of Fatima? 

A: In no Fatima message  or writing of Sister Lucia is there any warning on this subject.

Q: Sister Lucia and the events linked to Fatima seem far from our time. What is there relevance? Is there a Fatima spirituality that speaks to today’s young people?

A: The very self-referential characteristic of our society, very isolated, much affected by loneliness; with fear of existence, of what happens daily, delinquency, health, economic problems, the future. In face of these things, Fatima offers as a gift sent from Heaven the answers to be able to cure these wounds and asks us for commitment. For instance, in the face of self-referentiality, the Angel and the Virgin talked of Adoration, of putting God at the center. Moreover, in face of fear of existence and loneliness, Fatima offers Mary’s Heart as refuge and way to reach God and, as the Church teaches, Fatima says that you have a family, that you don’t walk alone and that this Church is your family.

When one looks at the Virgin’s requests, such as praying the Rosary , the First Saturdays, Eucharistic Adoration it’s obvious that Fatima is more relevant today than 100 years ago.

Q: In one of your conferences broadcast on YouTube in 2023, speaking of the third secret of Fatima and, concretely, the death of the “Bishop dressed in white”, which referred to a Pope, you pointed out: “The Church’s pilgrimage has not yet ended, that is why the third secret is open. In this sense, It’s not fulfilled. What’s going to happen to the Pope? I don’t know that, if it has been fulfilled or not as I believe that it is still open” . . .  In your opinion should we still hope in the fulfilment of the prophecy of that third secret of Fatima, which shows the death by martyrdom of a Pope? 

A: Well, I don’t know what the Lord will do. When I said that it is open it’s not that a Pope is literally going to die in a violent way, but that he continues suffering and, with him, many people suffer. It is in this sense that the secret of Fatima continues open.

Q: Francisco wanted to console God, Jacinta offered herself for sinners . . . and Sister Lucia? What could be the seal of her spiritual identity? 

A: I think it’s her surrender for the Church in obedience. Obedience up to death and death on a cross, as talked about in the Letter to the Hebrews. A woman totally obedient to the Church, who gives herself for the Church through her prayers and sacrifices. Also a sister we have in Heaven from whence she intercedes for us as she also did on earth.

Article published originally in PortaLuz.

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The Pope was accompanied by some of the participants in the Synod on Synodality. At the conclusion of the Rosary, Pope Francis addressed Mary with the prayer, which we now offer translated into English.

This act took place on the eve of the Day of Fasting and Prayer, originally called by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pizzaballa, and extended to the entire Church by Pope Francis.

***

Pope Francis’ prayer to invoke peace

O Mary, our Mother, we come again here before you. You know the sorrows and struggles that weigh heavily on our hearts in this hour. We lift our gaze to you, immerse ourselves in your eyes, and entrust ourselves to your heart.

You, too, O Mother, have faced difficult trials and human fears, but you were courageous and bold. You entrusted everything to God, responded to Him with love, and offered yourself without reservation. As the intrepid Woman of Charity, you hurried to help Elizabeth, promptly addressing the needs of the couple during the Wedding at Cana; with steadfastness of heart, on Calvary you illuminated the night of sorrow with the Easter hope. Finally, with maternal tenderness, you gave courage to the frightened disciples in the Upper Room and, with them, welcomed the gift of the Spirit.

And now we beseech you: heed our cry! We have need of your loving gaze that invites us to trust in your Son, Jesus. You who are ready to embrace our sorrows, fly to our aid in these times oppressed by injustices and devastated by wars, wipe the tears from the suffering faces of those who mourn the loss of their loved ones, awaken us from the stupor that has darkened our path, and disarm our hearts from the weapons of violence, so that the prophecy of Isaiah may quickly be fulfilled: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not take up sword against another, nor shall they train for war again” (Isaiah 2:4).

Turn your maternal gaze upon the human family, which has lost the joy of peace and the sense of fraternity. Intercede for our world in danger, so that it may cherish life and reject war, care for those who suffer, the poor, the defenseless, the sick, and the afflicted, and protect our Common Home.

We invoke you for the mercy of God, O Queen of Peace! Transform the hearts of those who fuel hatred, silence the din of weapons that generate death, extinguish the violence that brews in the heart of humanity, and inspire projects for peace in the actions of those who govern nations.

O Queen of the Holy Rosary, untie the knots of selfishness and disperse the dark clouds of evil. Fill us with your tenderness, uplift us with your caring hand, and grant us your maternal caress, which makes us hope in the advent of a new humanity where “… the wilderness becomes a garden land and the garden land seems as common as forest. Then judgment will dwell in the wilderness and justice abide in the garden land. The work of justice will be peace…” (Isaiah 32:15-17).

O Mother, Salus Populi Romani, pray for us!

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The blessing ceremony was attended by high-ranking members of the Vatican, including Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, President of the Vatican City State’s Governorate, and Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy. A number of Korean bishops, priests, religious leaders, and laity were also present, marking a moment of profound unity as the country’s bishops were in Rome for their “ad limina” visit—a tradition where bishops report on the status of their dioceses to the Pope. Diplomats from the Korean Embassy to the Holy See joined in the prayers, emphasizing the global nature of this call for peace.

The mosaic’s imagery is rich with symbolism. The Virgin Mary, dressed in a traditional Korean “hanbok”, stands as a figure of maternal care and divine protection. Her red top represents divine motherhood, while her turquoise skirt reflects peace. She cradles the Child Jesus, who is dressed in colorful attire, symbolizing the youth of Korea, and holds a globe in his hand, signifying his dominion over the world. The Virgin also clutches a rosary and stands triumphant over a serpent, symbolizing her victory over evil. Above, the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove carries an olive branch, underscoring the ever-urgent plea for peace in regions stricken by conflict, such as Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Korean Peninsula.

Measuring nearly two meters in height, the mosaic was crafted by renowned Korean artist Sim Soon Hwa and molded in the famous marble workshops of Carrara, Italy. Its installation in the Vatican Gardens is not only a significant honor but also a reminder of the deep connection between the Vatican and Korea, a nation where the Catholic faith has taken root despite centuries of persecution.

During his speech, Cardinal Vérgez Alzaga underscored the unique history of the Korean Catholic Church, reminding attendees of Pope Francis’ words on Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gon: “His life was and remains a powerful testimony to the fervor of the Gospel.” The cardinal highlighted the unique role that laypeople played in evangelizing Korea—an unusual legacy in the global Church. For nearly a century after Christianity first reached Korea, it was laypeople, not clergy, who kept the faith alive, often at great personal risk. This legacy of courage and dedication continues to define the Korean Church.

The role of the Virgin Mary has always been central to the Korean faithful. The Feast of the Assumption, on August 15, holds special significance as it coincides with the anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule at the end of World War II. For decades, Korean Catholics have viewed their country’s liberation as a gift from Mary, and her intercession continues to be sought in prayers for the peaceful reunification of the divided Korean Peninsula.

This new mosaic, set within the tranquil Vatican Gardens, not far from St. Peter’s Basilica, now stands as a permanent reminder of Korea’s enduring plea for peace. It invites pilgrims and visitors alike to pause, reflect, and offer a prayer not only for Korea but for all nations in need of reconciliation and unity. As the world faces persistent challenges of war and division, the mosaic of “Our Lady of Korean Peace” symbolizes a universal hope—that through faith, prayer, and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, peace may one day prevail across the globe.

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A Positive but Nuanced Recognition

Medjugorje, a small village in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has attracted millions of pilgrims since the reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary began in 1981. Over the decades, opinions from bishops, theologians, and commissions have varied widely, leading to both skepticism and fervent devotion. The Vatican’s latest note strikes a balance, acknowledging the abundance of spiritual fruits that have emerged from Medjugorje while also offering essential clarifications to prevent misunderstandings.

According to the note, these spiritual experiences are characterized by a «promotion of a healthy practice of faith» in line with Church tradition. Evidence of «abundant conversions,» a return to the sacraments, numerous vocations, and family reconciliations highlight the positive impact on the lives of many pilgrims. Furthermore, it emphasizes that these fruits have not led to any harmful or risky effects within the broader Church community.

However, the note also carefully avoids making any definitive claims about the moral character of the alleged visionaries or the supernatural nature of the events themselves. Instead, it reiterates that spiritual gifts do not require the moral perfection of those involved, pointing to the complex human element intertwined with these phenomena.

Pilgrimages as the Heart of the Experience

Interestingly, the document underscores that the true spiritual impact of Medjugorje is found primarily in the pilgrimage experience rather than the reported apparitions. Pilgrims travel to the village seeking personal renewal, spiritual growth, and an encounter with the sacred. The local parish has become a hub of prayer, retreats, and Eucharistic adoration, and many pilgrims report experiencing profound healing—both physical and spiritual—during their visit.

In addition to its spiritual role, Medjugorje has also become a center of charitable work, supporting orphans, the disabled, and those struggling with addiction. The ecumenical and interreligious context of the region, particularly in the aftermath of the Bosnian War, further enriches the unique spiritual character of Medjugorje. Christians of various denominations, as well as Muslims, participate in this shared search for peace and reconciliation. 

Messages of Peace and Conversion

Central to the spiritual phenomenon of Medjugorje is the recurring theme of peace, embodied in the title «Queen of Peace» attributed to the Virgin Mary. The note emphasizes that this peace is not merely the absence of conflict but is rooted in deeper spiritual, familial, and social dimensions. Mary’s message, delivered in the apparitions, calls for conversion, charity, and reconciliation—values that resonate strongly with those who visit Medjugorje.

The note also highlights the importance of entrusting oneself to God, with Mary’s role being seen not as the central focus but as an intercessor pointing believers toward Christ. In this way, the messages of Medjugorje encourage a deeper relationship with Jesus, guided by the Holy Spirit. A striking aspect of these messages is the emphasis on the power of prayer and fasting, as well as the necessity of confronting evil and sin to achieve true peace in the world.

A Call for Discernment and Vigilance

While the Vatican’s stance on Medjugorje is overall positive, the note also issues a word of caution. A small number of messages are seen as potentially problematic, as they could be misinterpreted or lead to confusion among the faithful. The Vatican stresses the importance of careful discernment, warning against giving undue attention to apocalyptic or overly prescriptive messages that deviate from the core teachings of the Church.

For instance, some of the messages may appear to suggest that the Virgin Mary is issuing commands about specific dates or practical decisions. The Vatican encourages the faithful to focus on the Gospels and not seek extraordinary revelations, reminding them that all spiritual insights must align with Scripture.

The document is clear in its intent to preserve the «treasure of Medjugorje» by addressing any distortions that might arise from subjective interpretations or theological imprecision. By grounding the experience in the broader framework of Church teaching, the Vatican hopes to safeguard the positive elements of the phenomenon while curbing potential excesses.

Public Worship Approved, but with Limits

Perhaps the most significant aspect of the Vatican’s recent pronouncement is the formal approval for public worship associated with Medjugorje. While this does not constitute an official declaration of the supernatural nature of the apparitions, it acknowledges that the spiritual experiences of pilgrims at Medjugorje can serve as a positive stimulus for Christian life. As a result, public liturgies and devotions tied to Medjugorje are now permitted under the oversight of the local bishop and the Vatican.

However, the note reiterates that no one is obliged to believe in the apparitions themselves, and it remains up to individuals to discern their personal response. The Church’s focus remains on the pastoral care of pilgrims, ensuring that their spiritual journey is centered on Christ and the teachings of the Church. 

Looking Ahead: A Place for Renewal

The Vatican’s carefully crafted response to the Medjugorje phenomenon reflects its commitment to providing clarity while embracing the positive spiritual fruits that have emerged from this unique place. For many, Medjugorje will continue to be a destination for spiritual renewal, offering a profound encounter with the divine in the context of personal conversion and community prayer.

Ultimately, the Church invites the faithful to approach Medjugorje not as a place of sensationalism or miraculous expectations, but as a site where hearts can be transformed, and faith deepened through a genuine encounter with the «Queen of Peace.»

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Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, and the Secretary for the Doctrinal Section of the same Dicastery, Monsignor Armando Matteo, will intervene. This meeting will be held in a context of expectation, given the historical weight that the alleged apparitions of the Virgin Mary have had since 1981, when six young people of a small Bosnian locality said they had been visited by the Virgin. The statement is taking place four months after the Dicastery issued Norms to Proceed on the Discernment of Alleged Supernatural Phenomena. 

The Medjugorje Apparitions: A Decades-Old Debate

Since June 1981, Medjugorje has become the destiny of pilgrimage of millions of people, despite the fact that ecclesiastical authorities have shown skepticism for years. Although at the beginning a local Diocesan Commission issued a negative judgment about the authenticity of the apparitions, the phenomenon never disappeared, and the international  Catholic community has continued to debate the veracity of the events. 

The so-called “Zara Declaration” of 1991, issued by the Bishops of the then Yugoslavia, stated that the investigations did not make it possible to confirm the supernatural nature of the apparitions. However, they left the door open to future inquiries, a position that has been maintained over the years, including after Yugoslavia’s dissolution and the creation of new independent nations, among them Bosnia-Herzegovina, where Medjugorje is located. 

A New Chapter: The Ruini Commission and Pope Francis

In 2010, the Vatican created an International Investigation Commission under the direction of Cardinal Camillo Ruini, to reflect further on the study of Medjugorje. The Commission worked secretly until 2014, when it presented its conclusions to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The first apparitions, which occurred  between June 24 and July 3, 1981, were considered  “probably authentic,” which generated a great stir within and outside the Church. However, the subsequent visions and messages attributed to the Virgin have been the object of greater skepticism, in particular because of the frequency of the messages and the so-called “secrets” revealed by the visionaries. 

Pope Francis has supported the Commission’s work and, in 2017, he asked for new investigations, focused on the pastoral situation of the area. At the time, the Pope pointed out the difference between the genuine faith of the pilgrims and the need for caution in regard to the more controversial aspects of the apparitions. At the end of November 2021, the Holy Father appointed Archbishop Aldo Cavalli his personal Delegate in Medjugorje. 

The Current Situation: A New Vatican Statement

The present context suggests that the Vatican might be preparing a new official statement on Medjugorje, a phenomenon that has polarized the Church for over four decades. Over the last four months, the Holy See has issued several Statements about other Marian realities, so that it would not be surprising if the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith intervened again. The September 19 conference could shed new light on the focus the Vatican will adopt in regard to this phenomenon. 

The importance of this conference cannot be underestimated, given the fact that Medjugorje continues to attract thousands of faithful every year. Many of them come seeking spiritual consolation, physical healing or answers to their prayers. The Church has allowed private pilgrimages to the place, always under the warning that they do not imply the official validation of the apparitions. 

A Debate That Endures

Over the years, Prelates such as the former Bishop of Mostar, Pavao Žaniċ and his successor Ratko Perić, have expressed publicly their doubts about the authenticity of the Medjugorje visions. However, the popular devotion has not diminished, and the Vatican’s continuous investigation shows that the Church hasn’t closed this chapter. 

The forthcoming press conference could be a crucial step to clarify the Church’s official position vis-a-vis Medjugorje, a placed that has witnessed profound spiritual experiences for many, but also of controversy and skepticism. In the light of the possibilities that the Norms offer, published by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith in May 2024, it’s foreseeable that the Dicastery may pronounce itself for a “Curator,” that is: “Several and significant problematic elements are detected but, at the same time, there is already a wide diffusion of the phenomenon and the presence of spiritual fruits associated to it, which can be verified. In this connection, a ban is not recommended that could perturb the People of God. In any case, the diocesan Bishop is urged not to encourage this phenomenon, to seek alternative expressions of devotion and, eventually, to reorient his spiritual and pastoral profile.”

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