More than 40 million pilgrims from around the world have flocked to the small village named Medjugorje since 1981.

Two simple words to certify history. Nihil Obstat. Nothing Hinders. It took 43 years of fierce disputes and back-and-forth for the Vatican to give the green light to the controversial phenomenon

The Vatican on Thursday gave that “nihil obstat” to Medjugorje. The local bishop issued the decree authorizing devotion there, and it is now possible that a sanctuary could be built, said the head of the doctrine office, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández.