VATICAN CITY, JUN 19, 1996 (VIS) – The director of the Holy See Press Office, with regard to news of recent days concerning pilgrimages to Medjugorje, answered journalists’ questions this morning with the following declaration:No new fact has occurred in this regard. As has been stated on previous occasions, it is a duty in such cases to respect the immediate competency of the local episcopacy. In this regard, on April 10, 1991, the bishops of ex-Yugoslavia had declared:

… On the basis of investigations conducted up to now, it is not possible to state that this is a matter of apparitions or of supernatural revelations.In any case, the presence of numerous faithful who come to Medjugorje from various parts (of the world), called by motives of faith as well as for other reasons, demands the attention and the pastoral care in the first place of the diocesan bishop, but also with him, of the other bishops, in such a way that at Medjugorje, and in relation to it, a healthy devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary be promoted, according to the Church’s teaching. …

We repeat the absolute need to continue deepening the reflection, as well as prayer, in the face of whatever alleged supernatural phenomenon, until there is a definitive pronouncement.

OP/MEDJUGORJE/NAVARRO-VALLS VIS 960619 (220)