Ep 2. The Third Secret of Fatima

In the second episode of the first season of Forbidden History, the focus is on one of the most mysterious and controversial events in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, the so-called Third Secret of Fatima. In 1917, three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, reported that they had received messages from the Virgin Mary, warning of impending war and calling for penance and prayer. The most famous of these messages, known as the Third Secret, was not revealed by the Church until 2000, and even then, many people believed that the full truth had not been disclosed.

In this episode, presenter Jamie Theakston sets out to explore the truth behind the Third Secret and the various theories that have emerged over the years. He begins by visiting the site of the apparitions in Fatima, where he speaks to locals and historians who have devoted their lives to studying the events of 1917. He also investigates the role that the Church played in keeping the Third Secret hidden for so long, and the political and religious forces that may have influenced this decision.

Next, Theakston meets with various experts and historians who have studied the Third Secret and its significance. He talks to Father Augustine Fuentes, a priest who claims to have seen the original message in 1959, and who believes that it contains dire warnings about the future of the Church and the world in general. He also speaks to Dr. Joaquim Fernandes, a researcher who has studied the phenomenon of Marian apparitions and claims that the events in Fatima were part of a wider pattern of supernatural experiences that have occurred throughout history.

Throughout the episode, Theakston also addresses some of the more controversial theories surrounding the Third Secret and its interpretation. He examines claims that the message contains predictions of future events, such as the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in 1981, and speaks to conspiracy theorists who believe that the Church is hiding even more significant secrets related to the message.

Ultimately, the episode offers a balanced and nuanced investigation into one of the most intriguing mysteries of the twentieth century. It sheds light on the cultural and historical context in which the Fatima apparitions occurred and considers the ways in which religious belief and political power can intersect and conflict. It is an intriguing journey through the mysteries of faith, history, and the human experience.