Sixteen years after the Vatican released the text of the so-called Third Secret of Fatima, rumours cyclically arise claiming that the Vatican still is keeping part of Mary's message to three children in Fatima, Portugal, secret. The Vatican press office on May 21 took the unusual step of publishing a communique with reaction from Benedict XVI, who -- as prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith -- oversaw the secret's publication in 2000 and personally wrote a commentary on it. He insisted at the time that the complete text had been published. In mid-May, a blog published a story claiming a German priest, Fr Ingo Dollinger, said that then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger had told him soon after the publication in 2000 that part of the message was still secret. The Vatican communique said: "In this regard, Pope emeritus Benedict XVI declares 'never to have spoken with Professor Dollinger about Fatima,' clearly affirming that the remarks attributed to Professor Dollinger on the matter 'are pure inventions, absolutely untrue,' and he confirms decisively that 'the publication of the Third Secret of Fatima is complete.'"
10:14 AM
Benedict XVI denies latest rumours about Fatima 'secret'
The Vatican has responded to claims made about the Pope Emeritus in a blog
Catholic News Service

Already a subscriber? Sign in
5freearticles every month
Continue reading with a free account. No card needed.
- Five free articles every thirty days, on any device you sign in on
- The Catholic Herald newsletter, every morning
- Subscribe whenever you like for everything: every article and the magazine

subscribe to the catholic herald today
Our best content is exclusively available to our subscribers. Subscribe today and gain instant access to expert analysis, in-depth articles, and thought-provoking insights—anytime, anywhere. Don’t miss out on the conversations that matter most.
Subscribe












