The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has issued new guidelines on handling cases of reported supernatural phenomena, effective from Sunday, May 19, the feast of Pentecost. The document, released on Friday, May 17, is introduced by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery, and includes an introduction and six possible conclusions for assessing such phenomena. The new norms aim to expedite decisions while honoring popular devotion.

A key change is that Church authorities will no longer officially declare phenomena as supernatural. Instead, they will authorize and encourage devotion and pilgrimages. The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith must now approve any final decisions made by local bishops and can intervene at any time.

Historically, cases involving alleged supernatural events often required extensive time for thorough evaluation, leading to conflicting decisions from different Church authorities. The new norms, revised since 2019 and approved by Pope Francis on May 4, seek to address these issues.

Cardinal Fernández highlighted that while many such events have led to significant spiritual benefits, they can also pose risks such as profiteering, abuse, doctrinal errors, or misleading the faithful.

The new guidelines outline that the Church will discern alleged supernatural phenomena based on signs of divine action, compatibility with faith and morals, and their spiritual fruits. However, no ecclesiastical authority will affirm the divine origin of such phenomena, though the Pope may authorize exceptions.

Six possible conclusions for assessing phenomena are:
1. Nihil Obstat: Signs of the Holy Spirit's action are acknowledged without confirming the supernatural nature, promoting pastoral appreciation and pilgrimages.
2. Prae oculis habeatur:Positive signs are present, but some confusion or risks necessitate further discernment and dialogue.
3. Curatur: Significant critical elements are noted, but existing spiritual fruits suggest a ban would be disruptive; thus, the phenomenon should not be encouraged.
4. Sub mandato: Issues arise from improper use of the phenomenon, such as financial gain or immoral acts, requiring pastoral oversight.
5. Prohibetur et obstruatur: Serious risks outweigh positive elements, necessitating catechesis to reorient the faithful.
6. Declaratio de non supernaturalitate: The phenomenon is declared non-supernatural based on concrete evidence.

The diocesan bishop is responsible for initial examination and must seek approval from the Dicastery.

Investigative commissions, including theologians, canonists, and experts, will be set up as needed.

Positive criteria for evaluation include the credibility of those involved, doctrinal orthodoxy, unpredictability of the phenomenon, and its fruits in Christian life. Negative criteria include potential errors, sectarianism, pursuit of profit or power, immoral actions, psychological issues, and abuses of control.

Regardless of the outcome, the diocesan bishop must continue overseeing the phenomenon and those involved.