Vatican Updates Guidelines on Supernatural Phenomena

New rules centralize decision-making on apparitions and aim to curb hoaxes in the digital age.

Only the Pope can now declare supernatural events, replacing the authority of local bishops.
The guidelines, replacing those from 1978, address the rapid spread of claims via social media.
Bishops must consult the Vatican before allowing worship related to alleged supernatural occurrences.
The Vatican seeks to protect the faithful from exploitation and false claims.
Popular pilgrimage sites like Lourdes and Fatima remain recognized under the new norms.