Vatican Reforms Rules on Supernatural Phenomena

The Facts

• The Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith released Friday stricter rules on determining whether supernatural, or miraculous, things actually occurred. This comes as such claims have reportedly skyrocketed in the age of social media.

• The new declaration states that "the Church needs to clear procedures," adding that the new rules "are not intended to control or (even less) stifle the Spirit." It also noted that it is not intended to deny all claims of supernatural apparitions.

• The Church will no longer define the supernatural nature of something, but it will have the power to approve the local Bishop's final decision and intervene at any time. The Church will monitor whether "the writings or messages of those involved" "conflicts with faith and morals."