How does the Vatican authenticate a miracle?
As an example, take a case from Lourdes, where someone is healed miraculously of cancer thanks to bathing in the miraculous spring water there. First, it must be established who was there, where it happened, what the person was doing. Next, the person’s doctor will be consulted – was cancer present in this person? To what degree? Was it in remission? Was it benign? Was it spreading? Was the person on any drugs or treatments? All test results will be scrutinized. New tests will be run. Specialists will be brought in and consulted. Medical hypotheses will be advanced and tested. The water that is said to have caused the miracle will be vigorously tested for its composition and properties. Attempts to replicate the cure will be done. The rest of the environment; air, plants, other people, possible contaminations, etc., will be tested. The tests will be repeated several times. The cured person’s health will be monitored for a return of the cancer or any other effects. After everything has
