Pope sends message to youth in Medjugorje following shrine vandalism
Pope Leo XIV encouraged young pilgrims at Medjugorje to seek guidance from the Virgin Mary, days after an act of vandalism occurred at the shrine.
Pope Leo XIV sent a message to participants at the annual Youth Festival in Medjugorje, encouraging young pilgrims to pray to the Virgin Mary and follow Jesus. The message was read to attendees by Archbishop Aldo Cavalli, the apostolic visitor for the Medjugorje parish, during the international gathering that attracted visitors from 73 countries.
The gathering proceeded despite a recent incident at the Marian shrine, where a 31-year-old Polish citizen desecrated statues of Our Lady and set fire to an outdoor altar. Organizers noted that the act of vandalism did not diminish interest or participation in the festival.
Sources: HRT Vijesti