World · Europe · 4 hrs ago
Pope Leo XIV appoints Francesco Cavina to oversee Medjugorje parish
Pope Leo XIV appointed retired bishop Francesco Cavina to serve as apostolic visitor to the parish of Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Cavina succeeds Aldo Cavalli, who stepped down from the role after turning 80.
The appointment is for an indefinite term, until the Holy See decides otherwise.
Cavina is tasked with accompanying the parish community and the many pilgrims who visit the Marian shrine.
In 2024, the Vatican gave a positive assessment of Medjugorje’s spiritual fruits, including conversions and renewed religious practice.
That assessment did not decide whether the reported apparitions are supernatural, and the Church advises people to approach the experience prudently.
Cavina will continue the pastoral work of his predecessors with the parish and its pilgrims.
Pope Leo XIV appointed Francesco Cavina as special apostolic visitor for the parish of Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Cavina, the retired bishop of Carpi, succeeds Aldo Cavalli and will serve until the Holy See decides otherwise.
His role is to provide pastoral care to the parish community and the many pilgrims who visit the Marian shrine.
The appointment follows the Vatican’s 2024 “Nihil obstat,” which recognized spiritual fruits at Medjugorje without ruling on whether the reported apparitions are supernatural.
Cavina said he accepted the appointment with joy and a sense of responsibility.
- Who
- Pope Leo XIV appointed Francesco Cavina, retired bishop of Carpi.
- What
- Cavina was named special apostolic visitor for the Medjugorje parish, succeeding Aldo Cavalli.
- When
- The appointment was announced on October 31, 2026.
- Where
- Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Why
- The appointment followed Aldo Cavalli’s departure from the role. Cavina is to provide pastoral care to the parish community and pilgrims.
Franciscans who defend the reported apparitions
The diocesan position described by Il Foglio
View of the apparitions
Franciscans who defend the reported apparitions
Franciscans defend the apparitions, according to Il Foglio.
The diocesan position described by Il Foglio
The diocese has long been doubtful about the apparitions, according to Il Foglio.
Pope Francis chose Aldo Cavalli to serve as apostolic visitor for Medjugorje.
The Vatican’s “Nihil obstat” recognized spiritual fruits at Medjugorje without ruling on the supernatural nature of the reported apparitions.
Pope Leo XIV’s appointment of Francesco Cavina as special apostolic visitor was announced.
- Appointee
- Francesco Cavina, 71, retired bishop of Carpi
- Role
- Special apostolic visitor for the parish of Medjugorje
- Predecessor
- Aldo Cavalli
- Term
- Indefinite, until the Holy See decides otherwise
- Vatican recognition
- Nihil obstat” issued September 19, 2024
3 sources
What people are saying
The true miracle of Medjugorje is the change of hearts.
I accepted it with great joy but also with a sense of responsibility.