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Vandalism and Arson Damage Medjugorje Shrine Ahead of August Prayer Gathering

Security footage has prompted a police investigation into the desecration of the Marian statue.

Pilgrims pray next to the vandalized statue of the Virgin Mary, which has been covered with a white sheet, on Apparition Hill in Medjugorje, Bosnia, Tuesday, July 28, 2026. (AP Photo)
An aerial view of pilgrims praying next to the vandalized statue of the Virgin Mary, which has been covered with a white sheet, on Apparition Hill in Medjugorje, Bosnia, Tuesday, July 28, 2026. (AP Photo)
Volunteers clean the vandalized statue of the Virgin Mary, which has been covered with a white sheet, on Apparition Hill in Medjugorje, Bosnia, Tuesday, July 28, 2026. (AP Photo)
Volunteers clean the vandalized statue of the Virgin Mary, which has been covered with a white sheet, on Apparition Hill in Medjugorje, Bosnia, Tuesday, July 28, 2026. (AP Photo)

Overview

  • Local media and parish officials reported Tuesday that the central statue of the Virgin Mary had its face and hands painted black and the pedestal was sprayed with the words "devil in a skirt," while an outdoor altar at St. James Church was damaged by fire.
  • Jabuka TV published security-camera footage that appears to show a man pouring a liquid and setting the outdoor altar alight, with the blaze quickly extinguished by responders.
  • Bosnian police opened an investigation after worshippers reported offensive messages and the fire, and the Medjugorje parish said cleaning and repairs began immediately and urged prayer, fasting and forgiveness.
  • A banner found near the site carried a Polish message accusing the six visionaries of fraud and, according to Vatican News, authorities later arrested a man in the Ljubuški area on suspicion of involvement.
  • The attack comes against the backdrop of a 2024 Vatican decision that allowed organized pilgrimages to Medjugorje without confirming the apparitions, a stance that helps explain why the shrine draws large crowds and why security concerns now matter for the early‑August gathering.