In this article series, we have provided a modest examination of some notable features of the case for the existence of an impostor Sr. Lúcia of Fátima. We began with a basic sketch of the history beginning in 1992 and then from 2006 to the present. We saw that while there were earlier organizations that advanced the Fake Lúcia Hypothesis, the one that stands out today is Sister Lucy Truth (SLT). It has amassed a seemingly impressive body of literature based upon the work of experts in various fields. SLT claims to be conducting a “criminal investigation,” believing it is seeking “justice for the ‘real’ Sr. Lucy.”[1] The fact, however, remains that the impressiveness of SLT’s literature is rather cosmetic than forensic.
There are deeper levels that must be explored and questions answered. To this end, the scholarship of SLT was put under some scrutiny. What arose from this scrutiny is notable doubt that SLT took the greatest of care with its research. It is under suspicion of engaging in confirmation bias, using information that is suitable to the organization’s argument but which may or may not have actual basis in the truth. The example shown was that of Sister Lucy Truth’s video “The Priest Who Knew Too Much” about Fr. Alonso.
We examined whether SLT’s manner of proceeding could negatively affect the outcome of its experts. To this end, we scrutinized the work of two particular experts: Dragica Brayovic and Bart Baggett. We saw that both largely depended upon the material provided them by SLT in order to draw their conclusions. There was also noted a measure of personal responsibility in that they appeared not to have taken specific precautions before approving their reports. On Brayovic’s part, she did not request more photos for a safer judgment in a self-styled “criminal case;” on Baggett’s part, he made some notable gaffes such as not proofreading and leaving outdated/mistaken observations in his work.
Many of the proponents of the Fake Lúcia Hypothesis (FLH) appear to believe genuinely and sincerely that the facts should be read from within a hermeneutic of suspicion and conspiracy. New data is thus interpreted, which regretfully ends in confirmation bias. To put it another way, “the conspiracy is expanded so as to protect the narrative.” The hermeneutic falls flat upon serious examination, and, when challenged, all that can truly be given in response is silence.
Some people fantasize that, indeed, there was an impostor because it provides one of several reasons to explain the many ills in the Church. Unfortunately, people have been shouting loudly on social media and elsewhere for some time now. As is too often the case, those who question matters are sidelined and pilloried while those who shout loudest get the attention (i.e., the most “likes” or “clicks”). While otherwise innocent and sincere people might project a falsehood without even knowing it to be false, the fact remains that the effect is still the same: truth is degraded, and that can only serve demonic ends.
These articles are not meant to provide a full, in-depth examination of everything that can be said on the FLH. A much deeper investigation and analysis has been underway for some time. The present article series emanates from that on-going work and will hopefully culminate in a book to be published in the near future. As these articles have shown, such sensitive matters require time, effort, and a sober approach. They involve cross-continent work, close collaboration, and a careful examination of the sources.
In the end, advancing the FLH serves as a distraction not only from the message of Our Lady at Fátima, but also some very real and exciting developments taking place. For example, I personally believe that the death of Sr. Lúcia in 2005 marked the beginning of a new phase for Fátima studies. Her unpublished writings passed to her Carmelite community and we now live in an era where new vistas and avenues onto the message are being made known. Yet, if we believe that an impostor wrote these things, then we will miss out on these treasures.
[1] See Stephen Kokx with Dr. Peter Chojnowski. “The Latest with the Fake Lucy Project.” Integrity Magazine YouTube Channel (September 21, 2026).
