Pope John Paul II was given a copy of Fr. Laurentin’s book, Is the Virgin Mary Appearing in Medjugorje, which he read at Castel Gondolfo, his summer residence. Both John Paul II and Cardinal Ratzinger were aware of the good fruit coming from Medjugorje and did not want to oppress it, but rather give freedom, encouraging the Commission not to act hastily. The stance they took was like that of Gamaliel in the New Testament:
“So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this undertaking is of men, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God.â€
This is precisely the Scripture passage that Bishop Zanic quoted in July 1981, when he was in favor of the apparitions.
