Fr Jozo Zovko, the former parish priest of Medjugorje will not be returning to Medjugorje “with all bans lifted” – contrary to recent rumours.

Fr Jozo, who remains unwell, will be transferred to a parish in the Franciscan Province of Hercegovina. Discover Medjugorje tour guide Tea Susac confirms to us “no way” will he be returning to Medjugorje and that he may not even be sent to Hercegovina, as the province has some houses outside of this region. Furthermore, his restrictions from speaking about Medjugorje will remain intact and have not been lifted.

Where Fr Jozo might be sent within the province is unknown, but it is possible he may be placed in Hercegovina itself, potentially near to Medjugorje.

Those planning pilgrimages to Medjugorje were hoping the news would herald a return to the days when Fr Jozo’s talks would be a staple part of the Medjugorje pilgrimages. Whilst many are decrying this as an injustice to Fr Jozo, with Italian Journalist Annalisa Colzi saying “Unfortunately this news is far from positive”, it could be seen as a first step to removing restrictions rather than lifting everything at once.

The restrictions came from the former Bishop of Mostar, Ratko Peric. The Vatican Commission Inquiry for the Medjugorje Phenomenon described Bishop Peric’s actions as ‘harsh, often-times rash’ towards Fr Jozo. His successor, Bishop Palic of Mostar, has invited Fr Jozo back to the Hercegovinian province, but without removing all his restrictions.

Below is the translation of the statement from The Diocese of Mostar.

Statement from the Episcopal Ordinariate of Mostar regarding the situation in p. Jozo Zovko.
The Episcopal Ordinariate of Mostar issued a statement on Monday 28th of April regarding the situation of p. Jozo Zovko, member of the Franciscan Province of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Herzegovina. Release the press release in its entirety.
*Considering that information about the situation of p. has appeared on some press bodies. Jozo Zovko, monk of the Franciscan Province of Herzegovina, for the love of truth and facts, we are obliged to inform the public of the following*:
1. The Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, informed by letter the Bishop of Mostar-Duvno, Petar Palić, that the Dicaster for the Doctree of the Faith, in the Congress held on February 25, 2025, has considered the requests that “the so-called monk (Fra Jozo Zovko) returns to the homeland” and that “after his return, he can live in a monastery where he can live in silence and without disturbances”.
Furthermore, as emphasized in the letter, «his return to the homeland would have been, first of all, an act of humanity, as well as an act of Christian love and mercy». In this regard, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith has decided to amend the provisions issued by the Decree of June 21, 2019.
2. In this regard a new Decree containing the following provisions has been issued:
a) *the obligation not to go to Bosnia and Herzegovina has been abolished*;
b) *all other provisions remain in force*, that is:
– to have no connection with the “Medjugorje phenomenon”;
– not to perform legal functions and not act in administrative bodies without the written authorization in actum of the Minister General;
– do not perform in public;
– dont give out interviews.
3. The same letter states the following:
«The present decision of the Dicastery does not intend to cancel the past provisions, otherwise in part maintained, nor to accept or even justify the inappropriate behavior held in the past by the religious person in question».
“*It was therefore decided that all obligations and prohibitions imposed on him will remain in force, with the exception of the obligation to remain as an act of humanity and Christian compassion*. “
The place of residence of p. The decision on the nomination of Fra Jozo Zovko will be taken by the Administration of the Franciscan Province of Herzegovina, in respect of the above-mentioned obligations and prohibitions.
Don Stipe Gale,
Gatekeeper
Mostar, 28 April 2025.
Prot. : 481/2025