The new norms do not allow bishops to act independently of supernatural phenomena. Pope Francis’ opinion on the new norms.
He Vatican toughened on Friday the evaluation procedures of the supernatural phenomenalike the crying virgins and crucifixes that shed blood. For centuries they generated mixed feelings among the Catholic faithful.
In a document that replaces the norms developed in 1978, the Vatican Doctrinal Office (DDF) indicated that bishops will no longer be able to act independently when faced with reports of such phenomena and should consult before investigating. Also stripped bishops of the power to recognize the “supernatural” nature of apparitions and other supposedly divine events, leaving the decision in the hands of the Pope and Vatican headquarters.
Pope Francis’ opinion on the Vatican’s decision
He Pope Francis was skeptical about this type of events and last year he declared to Italian RAI television that apparitions of the Virgin Mary “are not always real” and that he likes to see her “pointing to Jesus” instead of drawing attention to herself. Incidents recounted by the faithful, including the appearance of “stigmata,” or wounds from Jesus’ crucifixion, on the hands and feet of holy people, frequently became the basis for shrines and pilgrimages.
He head of the DDF, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernándeztold journalists that these types of events should be evaluated with great caution, since they can be fraudulent and be exploited for the purposes of “profit, power, fame, social recognition or other personal interest.”
The document states that, as a general rulebishops should issue a “nihil obstat”, that is, an approval for the cult that leaves open the question of whether the Vatican could formally recognize the phenomenon as “supernatural.” Such recognition is, however, “very exceptional,” Fernández said.
The bishops can reach five other conclusions about alleged supernatural events, the DDF said, including their formal rejection, or measures to prohibit or limit the cult of controversial or manifestly false phenomena.
Source: Ambito
