An act of vandalism and arson occurred in Medjugorje, located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, considered one of the most famous Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. The incident took place on the eve of the annual prayer festival, which this year was expected to be attended by nearly 50,000 pilgrims.
According to Vatican News, on the morning of July 27, police discovered that the face and hands of a statue of the Virgin Mary, erected on Apparition Hill (Podbrdo), had been painted black with paint. On the pedestal of the statue, an insulting inscription in English was written: "Devil in a Skirt". Additionally, other graffiti were left in the area.
It is reported that gasoline was poured on an open-air altar near St. James Church and set on fire. Surveillance camera footage showed a man setting the altar on fire. Although the fire was extinguished within a short time, the place of worship was damaged.
One suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident. His identity has not been disclosed yet. Investigators are looking into whether this person is linked to this attack and other acts of vandalism committed in the pilgrimage area that night.
