Pope Francis has effectively dismissed reports of continuing apparitions of the Virgin Mary at the Medjugorje shrine in southern Bosnia, saying the visions "don't have much value" even if the shrine itself has helped Catholics find God.
Francis provided the first-ever details about the contentious process that has been under way for years to determine whether the Catholic Church should describe the Medjugorje visions as authentic.
He was asked to comment en route home from the Catholic shrine at Fatima, Portugal, where he commemorated the anniversary of the visions of the Madonna reported by three shepherd children 100 years ago on Saturday.
Unlike Fatima, or Lourdes in France, the Medjugorje phenomenon has never been declared authentic, in part because local bishops have long cast doubt on the reliability and interests of the "seers".
Francis said he knew he was being "naughty" in doubting the Medjugorje phenomenon, in which six youngsters reported seeing visions of the Madonna starting in 1981.
Some have reported continuous visions ever since, with precise messages being delivered at pre-designated times, drawing scepticism that their claims were aimed more at bringing religious tourists to the otherwise unremarkable rural spot in southern Bosnia.
Francis said the key of the Vatican investigation is to distinguish between the original visions in 1981 and the current claims.
But he said it is undeniable that people go to Medjugorje and are converted from sin. He said: "People find God and change their life. This isn't a magic wand. You can't deny this spiritual and pastoral fact."
AP