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Bosnia investigates Virgin Mary statue desecration in the village of Medjugorje
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Authorities in Bosnia are investigating the desecration of a Virgin Mary statue and fire damage at a shrine in Medjugorje, a key Roman Catholic pilgrimage site.
- The statue was defaced with black paint on the face and hands, accompanied by an English inscription calling the figure a "Devil in a skirt."
- Medjugorje gained prominence after six children reported visions of the Virgin Mary in 1981, with some claiming ongoing daily apparitions and messages.
- Although the Vatican has not confirmed the supernatural authenticity of the visions, it approved pilgrimages to Medjugorje in 2022, citing the positive spiritual impact on the faithful.
- This Vatican decision contradicted earlier skepticism from local bishops and experts, and overlooked concerns about the commercial exploitation of the pilgrimage site.
