Vatican City, Mar 6, 2010 / 09:24 am
The Italian media is reporting that Pope Benedict XVI authorized an official inquiry into the Marian apparitions at Medjugorje. The commission to examine the case is said to be led by Cardinal Camillo Ruini.
According to the Italian weekly magazine "Panorama," the Pope has made the decision to go ahead with the investigations, nearly 30 years after the first reported apparition of Mary to the visionaries of Medjugorje took place. Long time collaborator and former cardinal vicar of Rome as well as ex-president of the Italian Bishops' Conference, Cardinal Camillo Ruini is said to be leading the investigation.
There has been no confirmation from the Vatican on the formation of the commission.
Despite never having received an official blessing from the Vatican, the site has become a major pilgrimage destination, hosting more than a million visitors a year and witnessing thousands of conversions.