Norms for Proceeding in the Discernment of Alleged Supernatural Phenomena

Contents

Norms for Proceeding in the Discernment of Alleged Supernatural Phenomena is a 2024 document written by the Holy See's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith outlining the discernment process for claims of private revelation such as Marian apparitions. It supersedes the 1978 norms, which were less restrictive and deferred to local diocesan bishops for verifying "supernatural" occurrences. Under the new provisions, only the Pope retains the authority to declare if the phenomenon is supernatural, whilst bishops' rulings were made more neutral.

History

Concerns regarding private revelations and their rapid dissemination through mass media prompted the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to convene in November 1974 to formulate a discernment policy. On 28 February 1978, the Norms were announced with the approval of Pope Paul VI. The procedure was initiated by the diocesan bishop corresponding to the place of apparition, who would conduct an investigation and weigh against criteria to positively or negatively discern it, the former being designated as pro nunc nihil obstare ('for now, nothing stands in the way'). Further assessment could be requested from higher Church authorities, including the Holy See.[1][2]

Concerns were renewed by the rise of social media, long procedure, and low resolution rates. One case cited by The New York Times was an alleged visionary whose claimed frequent messages at the weeping statue in Trevignano were denied by a local bishop, yet the statue remained a popular site.[3]

In 2019, revisions of the 1978 norms began, but in 2023 it was determined a complete reform was necessary. The final version was completed in 2024 and presented to Pope Francis on 4 May.[4][5]

On 17 May 2024, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, head of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, revealed the updated norms, which took effect on 19 May 2024.[4][5]

Provisions

Possible decisions

Resolutions of the 2024 Norms[6][7]
Latin TitleTranslationExplanation
Nihil obstat'Nothing hinders'Without expressing certainty about the event itself, there may be an appreciation of the potential spiritual and pastoral value, where the diocesan bishop is encouraged to promote its spread, including through possible pilgrimages to a sacred site.
Prae oculis habeatur'Let it be held before the eyes'A recognition of certain positive signs, but notes there are some aspects of the event that may need further discernment or may cause confusion.
Curatur'It is to be taken care of'An event where there have been "verifiable spiritual fruits" and where an outright ban "could upset the People of God," but where the bishop is asked "not to encourage this phenomenon but to seek out alternative expressions of devotion and possibly reorient its spiritual and pastoral aspects".
Sub mandato'Under mandate'An occasion where a person, family or group is misusing an event or occurrence that could potentially lead to exploitation.
Prohibetur et obstruatur'It is prohibited and blocked'An occurrence where some legitimate merits are found, but where there appear to be "very serious" risks. In order to prevent confusion or scandal, the bishop is asked to declare that adherence to the phenomenon is not allowed. The bishop is also asked to provide further instruction and catechesis.
Declaratio de non supernaturalitate'Declaration of non-supernaturality'An authorization to declare that the phenomenon is found to be not supernatural.

Process

The process for discernment is initiated by the corresponding area's diocesan bishop in dialogue with the Dicastery. If the geographic scope extends beyond one diocese, an inter-diocesan commission may be established. The diocesan bishop(s), in collaboration with their national episcopal conference, formulates a decision, which is reviewed by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. Investigation begins with the diocesan bishop collecting informative material and consulting all related bishops in determining pastoral effects. If a judgement is determined to beneficial in controlling the situation, an investigative commission composed of one theologian, canonist, and one expert on the related phenomena is formed. Then, evidence is weighed against criteria concerning the formation of a cult, social domination, and proper manifestation of piety.[8]

Typically, nihil obstat, a precautionary (prae oculis habeatur, curatur, and sub mandato), or negative judgement (prohibetur et obstruatur and declaratio de non supernaturalitate) is decided explicitly "in agreement with the Dicastery". Positive discernment (constat de supernaturalitate), unlike the 1978 norms, is reserved for the Pope.[8]

Analysis

Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández expressed hope the new procedure would aid in a decision on Our Lady of Međugorje.[3] In July, he further stated cases such as Our Lady of Guadalupe, Lourdes, and Fátima would be "exceptional", with rulings overall still "rare".[9] According to Slovenian theologians Tadej Strehovec and Mateja Pevec Rozman, the call for extensive investigation is a doctrinal continuance of the latter two cases. They also assert the 2024 norms emphasize openness and caution in "discernment" and they that diocesan bishop participation reaffirms the Catholic hierarchy, all to "foster unity".[10]

Religious historian Tine Van Osselaer similarly identifies the new normas as putting an emphasis on pastoral integrity over verification.[11]

References

  1. 1.Mares, Courtney (14 May 2024). "Explainer: What has the Vatican already said about discerning Marian apparitions". Catholic News Agency. Archived from the original on 14 May 2024.
  2. 2.Pietras 2025, p. 206.
  3. 3.[3.2]Povoledo, Elisabetta (17 May 2024). "As Supernatural Claims Spread Online, Vatican Updates Its Rules on Them". The New York Times. ProQuest 3055855455.
  4. 4.[4.2]O'Connell, Gerard (17 May 2024). "Citing social media and abuses, Vatican updates norms for approving apparitions and visions". America. ISSN 0002-7049.
  5. 5.[5.2]Pietras 2025, pp. 206–207.
  6. 6.White, Christopher (17 May 2024). "Vatican cracks down on 'supernatural' occurrences in new apparition rules". National Catholic Reporter.
  7. 7.Pietras 2025, pp. 208–210, 217–219.
  8. 8.[8.2]Pietras 2025, pp. 213–219.
  9. 9.McLellan, Justin (17 July 2024). "Doctrine chief: Vatican approval of apparitions will now be rare—but 'one will come out in the next days'". America. ISSN 0002-7049.
  10. 10.Strehovec, Tadej; Pevec Rozman, Mateja (16 December 2025). "Pomen molive v Marijinih sporocilih iz Medzugorja" [The Meaning of Prayer in Mary's Messages of Medjugorje]. Edinost in dialog: Revija za ekumensko teologijo in medreligijski dialog. 80 (2): 155–157. doi:10.34291/edinost/80/02/strehovec. ISSN 2385-8907.
  11. 11.Osselaer, Tine Van (2025). Apparition Fever: Observing the Virgin Mary in Belgium. McGill-Queen's University Press. p. 4. ISBN 9780228024729.