Leading Catholic exorcists are urging Pope Leo XIV to enlist more priests skilled at battling demons due to a global rise in occult and Satanic activities.
Representatives from the International Association of Exorcists (AIE) recently met with the Pontiff to present a report outlining a surge in incidents linked to occultism and Satanism.
The AIE is advocating for every Catholic diocese worldwide to have at least one qualified exorcist available to identify and deal with complex cases.
They are also pushing for enhanced training, clearer guidance for newly appointed bishops, and stringent criteria for determining when intensive spiritual intervention is necessary, according to information from EWTN Vatican and InfoVaticana.
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Exorcists are reporting a growing number of individuals dabbling in dark practices and seeking advice from questionable sources, sometimes leading to severe distress.
According to Father Francesco Bamonte, vice-president of the AIE, ignoring this trend leaves believers without proper support and drives some towards “inappropriate solutions”.
During the meeting with the Pope, the exorcists presented a manual titled ‘Guidelines for the Ministry of Exorcism’ along with an image of Saint Michael the Archangel, the revered spiritual warrior, from the well-known Monte Sant’Angelo sanctuary.
Reports suggest the Pope appreciated their efforts, exchanging rosaries and remembering the late Father Gabriele Amorth, a key figure in establishing the AIE.
Critics argue that many reported possession cases are better handled by medical and mental health professionals, cautioning that discussions of a “spiritual war” could distress vulnerable individuals.
Exorcists maintain that their protocols include medical assessments and emphasize that proper training is essential to protect the public.
While there are no official figures on the number of exorcisms performed by the Catholic Church, demand for exorcisms is on the rise. Last year, more than 300 exorcists gathered for the 15th International Conference of Exorcists, indicating a significant and coordinated global ministry.
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