I Know Rudi, you're calling it mumbo-jumbo, like say when others 'see' the virgin mary in images, but whos to say its not authentic, what is being perceived?
We do this as seers as well, stalk for things such as signs and omens. And we will see them. Ive been seeing praying mantis for a few months and has been showing various things to me. I suppose much of it, could be said, "first attention, its just a praying mantis." But second attention, and it being in various positions (like by the front or back door), tells another story.
And first attention it may look like fire that took on some image, but keep in mind, in here, that fire image in the banner of soma and restless soma? Michael also said, that's not fire, thats a lady dancing on a mexican sombrero, etc etc. Thats scrying the fire, and fire is a very powerful storyteller as most probably do know.
Its not undermined because its catholic or the pope. It really doesnt matter what religion someone is or not, spirit will communicate to another, through whatever means, and that communication will be most likely according to one's own faith.
One thing about the vatican, they're not liberal when it comes to miracles, be it images of virgins or saints or any of that. They do a full investigation of all claims, before they deem anything a miracle or not, or authentic vision. There may be some which may have been discounted, which were even authentic.
So is it the pope communicating? Who knows, anything is possible.