Catholic pilgrimage site of Medjugorje desecrated
The Medjugorje Catholic pilgrimage site in Bosnia was vandalized with offensive graffiti and an altar fire, shortly before a major annual prayer gathering. Authorities are investigating the incident, while church officials have called for prayer and forgiveness.
Why it matters
The site is a major religious destination, and the attack raises concerns about religious tolerance and security at high-profile pilgrimage locations.
A popular Catholic pilgrimage site in Bosnia has been vandalised and a nearby altar set ablaze, authorities said, days before tens of thousands are expected to gather at the shrine.
The Marian shrine of Medjugorje, about 140km southwest of the capital Sarajevo, rose to fame in the 1980s after purported apparitions of the Virgin Mary there.
It has become one of the most popular pilgrimage sites, with more than one million people visiting every year.
Local media published images of the damage, showing black spray paint covering the central statue of the Virgin Mary's face and the words "devil in a skirt" on its pedestal.
Security camera footage published by Jabuka TV showed a man setting fire to the outdoor altar of the nearby St James Church.
Police said they were investigating after worshippers reported "offensive messages" and a fire at the site.
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