Vatican Releases New Document on Discerning Supernatural Phenomena | EWTN News Nightly

The Vatican released a document with new norms regarding cases of reported supernatural phenomena. The norms will come into force on Sunday, the feast of Pentecost. The new document provides updated guidelines for discerning apparitions and other allegedly supernatural phenomena. The prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, presented this document at a news conference in the Holy See's press office.  The last time the Vatican's doctrinal office issued norms for evaluating alleged supernatural events was shortly before the death of Pope St. Paul VI in 1978. In the old document, the initial evaluation of alleged apparitions, weeping statues or supposed messages from God, Mary or the saints was entrusted to the local bishop. With the new norms, the local bishops will still play a major role, but the new norms say that the judgment of the bishop is to be submitted to Rome for approval. The new document encourages diocesan bishops to set up an investigative commission if evidence of a supernatural phenomenon seems sufficient. The Dicastery then has to be involved. EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief Andreas Thonhauser, has more.

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[MADBurrus]

Why do they need to do this now? What are they afraid of coming out and becoming public?

[selah_vie]

Assuming I understand this correctly, I think I actually agree with this decision. Hopefully there will be a significant amount of discernment and a true fear of God when deciding what is true prophesy and what is not. We are clearly warned about this in Scripture.

[celiseswanson]

The illumination of conscience can be attributed to many Marian apparitions. I believe that in the coming times we will have more apparitions until that time occurs that we will all experience "The Warning". I hope everyone is ready. Pray the rosary!

[gordonadams]

Vatican has already acknowledged the existence of ET's. The Vatican also owns their own observatory here in America.

[fredamariebrown]

Whatever happened to, "you shall know them by their fruits?" Having an experience is one thing, but how one responds or reacts after the experience is another.

[barbaradetmer]

It’s good to have guidelines and structure on uncertain events

[alexenchanter]

So…The Vatican is basically saying…Ish is About to Get Really Weird Y’all!

[orindufw]

Am a Soldier, I saw something 3 weeks back when am on midnight sentry after a little rain, I Saw light moving in the clouds, shines to a bush in a distance for like 20 second and then went off, and it went away in the clouds.

[caliopeknows]

I read the new guidelines and I am very grateful to the Vatican. Some of my relatives have been mentally harmed by becoming obsessed with alleged visions as if they were approved. One gets angry with those of us who decided not to take a position. He claimed to be converted but no behavior that is holy is evident. Just bursts of anger and interruptions and won't consider the other side at all. His relatives are confused, scared, and appear depressed. I wonder how many other people who follow this alleged particular apparition also show fruits that later turn sour.

[smrk]

Also the rise of AI is a concern for discerning the authenticity of an event.

[warriorisachildofgod]

Jesus is coming soon! Be ready! Seek the Kingdom of God today before it's too late. Jesus is coming soon! Repent from your sins and turn back to God! 🙏❤️

[sarahb]

It’s important to accept and recognize apparitions in Anguera-Brazil…

[macdonaldchisambi]

If I got this right

The Purpose of the document is to provide a clear process for discerning the authenticity of reported apparitions, revelations, or supernatural events.

Key Steps:

1. Initial Investigation: Local bishop gathers information and conducts initial inquiry.
2. Diocesan Investigation: Bishop appoints a commission to investigate further, including interviews and evidence collection.
3. Consultation: Commission submits findings to the bishop, who consults with experts and other bishops.
4. Conclusions: Bishop reaches one of six possible conclusions, ranging from "not supernatural" to "worthy of belief and devotion".

Criteria for Evaluation:

- Positive: Credibility of witnesses, doctrinal orthodoxy, spontaneity, and good fruits (e.g., conversions, healings).
- Negative: Doctrinal errors, sectarianism, pursuit of gain, immoral actions, or psychological issues.

Pastoral Considerations:

- Care for the Faithful: Protect people from potential harm or confusion.
- Promote Authentic Devotion: Encourage genuine devotion and pilgrimage sites when appropriate.

[dan]

I would not tell the Church, unless they benefit from it it's usually no go. Often the church waits until all parties are dead and then decides to publish their interpretation.

[christinealmeida]

For Those who believe everything is a miracle for those who don't believe nothing is a miracle

[jolindo]

Truth will prevail and Our Lady Will get her message

[HillaE]

This is useful for order and avoid confusion

[JaylenPotts-zsqw]

So much evil going on especially in cities like Albany Ga. The Pope needs to pray for everyone.

[admin]

This is a great thing. There are way too many people claiming to be mystics. And way too many people profiting from spreading these supposed messages from heaven. They are causing fear. God does not need to speak through that many people.

[Miguel_Gabriel_]

How convenient! Just when we are aware the Holy Spirit is about to be poured all around the world.

Acts 2:17!