The village became a major pilgrimage site, attracting thousands each year and giving many visitors 'spiritual renewal'
Vatican City — Pope Francis has approved pilgrimages to Medjugorje, a village in Bosnia that is steeped in controversy over whether the Madonna appears to local people, the Vatican said on Sunday.
Six children first reported visions of the Virgin Mary in 1981 in a scenario reminiscent of famous apparitions in the French town of Lourdes in the 19th century and more than 100 years ago in Fatima in Portugal. The pilgrimages, which include faithful from as far away from North America and Asia, took place although they were not officially authorised by the Vatican. They also gave locals a steady source of much-needed revenue.Some of those involved, now adults, say they still experience apparitions regularly, and that the Madonna tells them ahead of time when she will appear to them. But some Catholics believe the apparitions are a hoax.
Speaking to reporters in 2017, Francis said investigations are continuing into the first alleged apparitions but he said at the time that he was highly sceptical about claims that they are continuing.
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