Catholic exorcists want demon-fighting priests in every diocese

The International Union of Exorcists wants every Catholic diocese around the world to have at least one trained exorcist

Prominent Catholic exorcists have urged Pope Leo XIV to recruit additional demon-fighting priests following reports of a rise in occult and satanic practices around the world.

Officials from the International Association of Exorcists (AIE) met with the pontiff earlier this month and presented a report highlighting the rising incidents of witchcraft and Satanism.

AIE is calling on every Catholic diocese worldwide to provide at least one qualified exorcist to identify and resolve complex cases.

They are also pushing for better training, more explicit guidance for newly appointed bishops, and stronger standards for determining when a case requires intensive spiritual intervention, according to reports from EWTN Vatican and Infovaticana.

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Exorcists claim that an increasing number of people are experimenting with sinister practices and seeking guidance in completely the wrong places— sometimes finding themselves in serious trouble.

Father Francesco Bamonte, vice president of the AIE, is reported to have warned that ignoring the pattern does not provide adequate support for the faithful and leads some people to “inappropriate solutions.”

During the Pope’s visit, exorcists distributed a book titled “Guidelines for the Ministry of Exorcism” with an image of the venerated spiritual warrior, St. Michael the Archangel, from the famous Monte Sant’Angelo sanctuary.

Reports indicate that the Pope expressed gratitude for their efforts and presented rosaries in return, remembering the late Father Gabriel Amorth, the prominent exorcist who helped establish the AIE.

Critics argue that many alleged possession incidents are better addressed by medical professionals and mental health experts, warning that discussion of “spiritual warfare” may alarm vulnerable individuals.

The exorcists say their procedures include medical screening, and proper training is necessary to protect the public.

There are no official statistics on the number of exorcisms performed by the Catholic Church.

Nevertheless, the demand for exorcisms continues to grow, and last year more than 300 exorcists gathered for the 15th International Conference of Exorcists, demonstrating a vital, coordinated worldwide ministry.