Dr. Giada Monami, an internal medicine specialist, has become the first woman to lead the Lourdes Medical Bureau, a position she describes as «truly unique in the world.» In a recent interview with the newspaper La Dépêche, Monami expressed her joy at being at the helm of this institution, which constitutes the first step in the long process that can lead the Catholic Church to recognize a miracle.
A rigorous and ancient process
The Medical Bureau receives files from people who claim to have been healed at the sanctuary of Lourdes. Each case is analyzed according to strict criteria established in the 18th century by Pope Benedict XIV, known as the «Lambertini criteria.» Monami explained that these criteria require a clear and documented diagnosis of a serious illness that severely affects quality of life, and that the healing be «sudden, unexpected, complete, and lasting over time.»
«We use the same tools, the same criteria, the same rigor as in any medical discipline,» emphasized the doctor, who insists that the bureau’s work is strictly scientific. When a file seems sufficiently solid, it is submitted to the Lourdes Medical Committee, composed of doctors and health professionals present at the sanctuary. The most complex cases are then referred to the International Medical Committee of Lourdes, which brings together about thirty specialists and researchers from various disciplines.
The role of science and faith
The ultimate goal, according to Monami, is to determine whether the healing can be explained «by current medical knowledge.» If the case remains medically inexplicable, the file is sent to religious authorities. «It is not a medical decision,» the doctor clarified. «It is only after that the Church can eventually recognize a miracle.»
Since the Marian apparitions of 1858, thousands of healing files have been presented in Lourdes, but only 72 miracles have been officially recognized by the Catholic Church. However, Monami relativizes the importance of these recognitions: «Lourdes does not need miracles. It is above all a place of prayer, pilgrimage, welcome, and fraternity,» she stated.
A family and scientific vocation
Dr. Monami is not new to the Marian city. Her father already worked as a volunteer doctor for Italian pilgrims, and she herself grew up in that environment. Now, at the head of the bureau, she combines her faith with her scientific training. «There are things that we doctors don’t know. We don’t know everything,» she also declared to the broadcaster RTL, leaving the door open to the transcendent.
Original source: www.whatsupdoc-lemag.fr (published on May 25, 2026)
Photo: Jon Tyson on Unsplash
