The Vatican has officially rejected claims of supernatural apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Puerto Rico, declaring that there is no evidence to support the alleged divine encounters.
In a statement released by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Catholic Church clarified that the supposed visions, which had drawn thousands of pilgrims to a small community in the town of San Sebastián, lacked any supernatural authenticity.
Local Bishops Urge Caution
Puerto Rican bishops had previously expressed skepticism about the claims, warning the faithful to approach the reports with discernment. The Vatican's decision aligns with their cautious stance, reinforcing the Church's rigorous standards for validating such phenomena.
Impact on Believers
The alleged apparitions had sparked fervent devotion among some Catholics, with many traveling to the site in hopes of witnessing miracles. The Vatican's ruling is expected to temper expectations and discourage further pilgrimages based on unverified claims.
Church authorities emphasized that while private revelations are not central to Catholic doctrine, they must undergo thorough scrutiny before being endorsed.
