Vatican publishes new rules for the study of apparitions

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith published this Friday the new Rules to proceed in the Discernment of alleged supernatural phenomena which determines that the declaration of supernaturality will be exceptional and will be reserved to the Pope.

Thus, from the decisions made by the ecclesiastical authorities regarding this time of phenomena, “in a usual manner, a positive recognition cannot be expected” regarding the divine origin of the alleged supernatural phenomena.

In the norms in force until this Sunday, Solemnity of Pentecost 2024, promulgated in 1978 by Paul VI, three possible pronouncements were established: affirmative (consist of supernatural), negative (it is clear that it is not supernatural) or definitive no (It is not agreed on the supernatural).

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith now contemplates a different range of options, up to six, which will be the result of a work of discernment carried out by the local Ordinary (with the collaboration of other prelates or the national Episcopal Conference) with the collaboration of Doctrine of Faith.

The six options are as follows:

1. Nothing stands in the way: This statement expresses “no certainty as to the supernatural authenticity of the phenomenon,” but recognizes “many signs of an action of the Holy Spirit ‘in the midst’ of a given spiritual experience.” Furthermore, it means that, at the time of the pronouncement, no “especially problematic or risky aspects” have been detected. For this reason, “the diocesan bishop is encouraged to appreciate the pastoral value and also to promote the dissemination of this spiritual proposal, even through possible pilgrimages.”

With this statement “the phenomena do not become objects of faith, that is, the faithful are not obliged to give them an assent of faith.”

2. Keep in mind: This statement recognizes “important positive signs,” but “some elements of confusion or possible risks are also noted that require careful discernment and dialogue with the recipients of a particular spiritual experience.” In the event that there are writings or messages, “a doctrinal clarification may be necessary.”

3. It is taken care of: The third declarative degree regarding a supernatural phenomenon supposes that “significant problematic elements are detected, but at the same time there is already a wide diffusion of the phenomenon and a presence of spiritual fruits associated with it.” While “a prohibition that could disturb the People of God” is discouraged, the bishop is urged “not to encourage this phenomenon, to seek alternative expressions of devotion and, eventually, to reorient his spiritual and pastoral profile.”

4. Sub mandate: This statement means that “the problems detected are not related to the phenomenon itself, rich in positive elements, but to a person, a family or a group of people who make inappropriate use of it” who would be taking advantage of it to obtain a improper profit, commit “immoral acts” or develop “a pastoral activity parallel to that already present in the ecclesiastical territory” outside the bishop.

“In this case,” the new norms point out, “the pastoral direction of the specific place where the phenomenon occurs is entrusted either to the diocesan bishop or to another person delegated by the Holy See, who, when he cannot intervene directly, will try to reach an agreement.” reasonable”.

5. Prohibited and obstructed: The fifth possible statement states that “although there are legitimate demands and some positive elements, the problems and risks seem serious.” For this reason, “to avoid further confusion, or even scandals that could undermine the faith of the simple,” the prelate is asked “to publicly declare that adherence to this phenomenon is not permitted and to simultaneously offer a catechesis that can help understand the reasons for the decision.”

6. A declaration of non-supernaturalism: This is the only degree that survives the previous regulations and means that the bishop declares “that the phenomenon is recognized as non-supernatural.”

New procedure to be followed by bishops in the event of possible apparitions

The new norms published by the Vatican establish a procedure to be followed by diocesan bishops, who are responsible for examining cases in dialogue with their corresponding Episcopal Conference and under the supervision of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Once the facts have been investigated, the bishop must send the results to the dicastery, which analyzes both the material received and the procedure followed by the prelate. Until the Doctrine of the Faith is pronounced, the bishop “will refrain from any public declaration regarding the authenticity or supernaturality of these phenomena.”

Furthermore, the residential bishop must canonically investigate whether “forms of devotion arise even with a true and proper cult” and must take “special care to contain, even with the means at his disposal, confusing religious manifestations,” in such a way that they do not “the sensational climate” is fueled.

If the phenomenon affects more than one diocese, an interdiocesan commission must be established to investigate the phenomenon.

Positive criteria and negative criteria regarding the alleged apparitions

When evaluating the evidence and testimonies collected, the Bishop must take into account a series of positive and negative criteria detailed by the Vatican.

Among the positive ones are “the credibility and good reputation of the people who claim to be recipients of supernatural events”, the doctrinal orthodoxy of the phenomenon and “of the eventual message related to it”, the “unforeseeable nature” of what happened and the fruits of Christian life and its contribution “to the growth of the ecclesial communion.”

The negative criteria proposed for discernment include observing “the possible presence of a manifest error about the fact”, possible “doctrinal errors” or if “a sectarian spirit emerges that generates division in the ecclesial fabric.”

It should also be observed if there is “an obvious search for profit, power, fame, social notoriety, personal interest closely linked to the event”, if “seriously immoral acts” are committed or if “psychological alterations or psychopathic tendencies” are observed.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the Bishop casts a personal vote according to the six planned declarations that must be ratified by the dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. Once ratified, it must be communicated to the faithful “in clear and understandable language.” for all.

In any case, the bishop “has the duty to continue monitoring the phenomenon and the people involved” and the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith reserves the possibility of acting motu proprio “at any time and in any state of insight into alleged supernatural phenomena.”