On flight back from Fatima, Pope Francis says he has doubts about Medjugorje

On the papal flight returning from Fatima, Pope Francis said that he has doubts about the legitimacy of the apparitions of Mary that have allegedly appeared at Medjugorje.

In response to a question from the press about the authenticity of the apparitions, Catholic News Service said, the pope, referring to the findings of a commission chaired by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the retired papal vicar of Rome, said:

“The report has its doubts, but personally, I am a little worse,” the pope told reporters traveling with him from Fatima, Portugal. “I prefer Our Lady as mother, our mother, and not Our Lady as head of the post office who sends a message at a stated time.” “This isn’t Jesus’ mother,” he said. “And these alleged apparitions don’t have much value. I say this as a personal opinion, but it is clear. Who thinks that Our Lady says, ‘Come, because tomorrow at this time I will give a message to that seer?’ No!”

In the same interview, Catholic News Service reports that the pope was asked about his upcoming meeting with President Donald Trump:

Specifically asked how he would speak to a head of state with clearly opposing views on issues such as immigration, the pope said he would never “make a judgment about a person without listening to him first.” “There are always doors that aren’t closed. Look for the doors that at least are a little bit open, enter and speak about things held in common and go forward, step by step,” the pope said. “Peace is artisanal; it is made every day. Even friendship among people, mutual knowledge and esteem are made every day,” he said.

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