The Vatican on Thursday approved the spiritual devotion centred in Medjugorie, Bosnia, over its "positive fruit" for Catholics. The green light to the cult of a pilgrimage site where the Virgin Mary is alleged to have appeared came from the Vatican's doctrinal office with Pope Francis' approval.

Many positive fruits have been noted in the midst of a spiritual experience, while negative and dangerous effects have not spread among the People of God,” the Vatican synthesis said.