BOSNIA-VATICAN-RELIGION-PILGRIMAGE-MEDJUGORJE

Catholic priests conduct a holly mass for pilgrims at St. Jacob church, in Medjugorje, on September 19, 2024. The Vatican announced on September 19, 2024 that it recognised the shrine of Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina, without commenting on the Virgin's "alleged messages" to the faithful, who have gathered there in the millions for more than 40 years. In a 17-page document approved by Pope Francis, the powerful Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith explained it sought to "conclude a long and complex history that has surrounded the spiritual phenomena of Medjugorje", which have fuelled "a series of divergent opinions" within the Catholic community. (Photo by ELVIS BARUKCIC / AFP) (Photo by ELVIS BARUKCIC/AFP via Getty Images)