After witnessing the healing of numerous cancer patients and individuals with incurable illnesses in the Philippines, the organizers invited Julia to join a pilgrimage to the sacred sites of Europe. On June 2, 1992, Fr. Jerry Orbos, Julia, and the Filipino pilgrims attended a general audience with the Pope at the Vatican. 

During the audience, the Holy Father approached Julia personally, bestowed his blessing upon her, gently touched her cheek, and graciously received a statue of Our Lady of Naju along with a large photograph of the weeping Virgin of Naju. Such an extraordinary event during a general audience was unprecedented, leaving all attendees deeply astonished and filled with awe.

On November 24, 1994, His Excellency Archbishop Giovanni Bulaitis, the Apostolic Nuncio to Korea, visited Naju as a representative of the Holy Father. During his visit to the Blessed Mother’s Chapel in Naju, he witnessed the miraculous descent of the Holy Eucharist from heaven on two separate occasions.

The first Eucharist, a large host divided into two, descended from heaven, with the letters Alpha and Omega engraved upon the Eucharist. Archbishop Bulaitis reverently distributed this celestial Eucharist to the faithful gathered, and an extraordinary miracle unfolded—reminiscent of the biblical multiplication of the loaves and fishes. Over seventy faithful were blessed to receive Communion two or three times each, and yet, remarkably, there was still some remaining.

Then, the Blessed Mother gently instructed Julia to approach Her, holding the hands of both the Apostolic Nuncio and Julia's spiritual director. In that instant, a small Eucharist descended. As Julia was holding their hands, she promptly received the Eucharist upon her tongue. Observing this, the Apostolic Nuncio was deeply moved and, in awe, exclaimed, “I believe 200%, 300%!” He later shared this miraculous event with the Holy Father.

Recognizing the heartfelt appeals of the Blessed Mother, Pope John Paul II personally entrusted Monsignor Tran Ngoc Thu, his private secretary who dined with him daily, with a special mission to Naju on September 18, 1995 and sent his message of consolation to Julia: "I extremely love and respect the Blessed Mother of Naju and also highly love and respect Julia who receives sufferings and delivers the Message of the Blessed Mother.” He also extended a gracious invitation for Julia to visit the Vatican.

On October 31, 1995, during a private Mass celebrated by the Holy Father, a profound Eucharistic miracle took place as the Host he placed in Julia's mouth transformed into the Flesh and Blood of Jesus. The Holy Father, witnessing this supernatural event, was deeply astonished. In response, he blessed Julia, made a cross upon her forehead, gently touched her cheek, and extended his blessings to her family in Korea as well.

The Pope kindly urged the Korean bishops to "Share this wonderful grace with many nations across Asia." In 2001, in accordance with His Holiness' directive, the Eucharistic miracle, personally witnessed by the Pope, was broadcast on Italian Catholic television. 

An Italian Catholic TV program highlighted the Eucharistic Miracle experienced through Julia witnessed by St. Pope John Paul II at the Vatican.

Moreover, it was prominently featured in the Exhibition at the Shrine of Archangel St. Michael in Italy, alongside other Eucharistic miracles recognized by the Church, serving as a powerful testament to its profound significance.

In 2010, at the Blessed Mother's request, Julia was led to meet with Archbishop Giovanni Bulaitis, who was residing at the official residence in the Vatican. Miraculously, the Archbishop, too, received the same inspiration during his prayers. This divine prompting led me to visit the Vatican, where Julia had attended Mass on February 28, 2010, at the intimate chapel of Casa Benedetto, the Vatican residence. During this sacred Mass, the Eucharist that the Archbishop placed in my mouth was miraculously transformed into the Flesh and Blood of Jesus, a profound and awe-filled moment of grace.

All evidence related to this miracle, including testimonies from witnesses, videos, and other materials, was respectfully submitted to Pope Benedict XVI. After carefully reviewing them, the Pope shared his thoughts with Cardinal Ivan Dias, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, remarking, "I am favorable on Naju." Furthermore, on November 14, 2012, the Holy Father graciously sent a letter expressing, "I am spiritually close to Julia Kim and pray for her," offering his prayers and spiritual support.

“On November 23, 2013, pilgrims from Singapore were invited to go up to the altar. I started to take pictures and I had a look at them when I arrived home. I was so shocked to see a man with the pointed nose praying next to Mother Mary in the casing. Two days later, when I visited my daughter Nicole in hospital, the first thing she showed me was the picture of St. Pope John Paul ll. She had ripped it out of a magazine. It was amazing because I didn't mention about the photo I took in Naju. It is no conincidence that Nicole showed me the picture. It must be guided by the Holy Spirit. I’m very sure he is still praying for the approval of Naju as the photo showed.”

Testimony by Rita Slatter from Singapore

St. Pope John Paul II, pray for the official approval of Naju!