A definitive ruling on Dozulé
The Holy See, through the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, has officially established that the phenomena of the alleged apparitions in Dozulé, France, are not of supernatural origin. This verdict, approved by Pope Leo XIV on November 3, puts an end to decades of controversy over the visions that, according to the visionary Madeleine Aumont, began in 1972.
The origin of the controversy
Between 1972 and 1978, Madeleine Aumont claimed to have received 49 apparitions of Jesus in Dozulé. In these apparitions, she was asked to build a "Glorious Cross" 738 meters high with arms 123 meters long, completely illuminated, as a sign of universal redemption. Although the monumental structure was never erected, smaller-scale replicas known as "Crosses of Love" emerged. The associated messages promised salvation to those who repented at their feet, claims that the Vatican now considers incompatible with Catholic doctrine on salvation, grace, and the sacraments.
Precedents of ecclesiastical caution
The Church's skeptical stance is not new. As early as 1983, the then diocesan bishop, Jean-Marie-Clément Badré, questioned whether the construction of a monumental cross in Dozulé could be an authentic sign from God. In 1985, the prelate also warned about fundraising by individuals acting on their own behalf and "fanatical propaganda." The current bishop of Bayeux-Lisieux, Jacques Habert, following the new rules for discerning supernatural phenomena established in 2024, proposed the declaration of non-supernaturalness that has now been made public.
The Cross is not measured in meters
In its statement, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith emphasizes a fundamental theological principle: "The Cross does not need 738 meters of steel or concrete to be recognizable: it rises every time a heart, under the action of grace, opens to forgiveness, a soul is converted, hope is reborn where it seemed impossible." This reflection emphasizes the interior experience of faith and the sacraments, above and beyond extraordinary physical signs.
Papal discourse on authentic mysticism
In a broader context, Pope Leo XIV referred to mystical phenomena during a lecture at the Pontifical Urbaniana University. The Pontiff explained that mysticism is an experience that transcends rational knowledge, a spiritual gift that can manifest itself in various ways, including visions or ecstasy. However, he cautioned that these events "remain secondary and not essential to mysticism and holiness itself." The ultimate goal, he stressed, is always communion with God, so it is necessary to "prudently evaluate such events, through humble discernment, according to the teaching of the Church" to avoid falling into superstitious delusion.
Original source: www.ihu.unisinos.br (published November 14, 2025)
Photo: Cande Westh on Unsplash
