EWTN Vatican@EWTNVatican
Pope Leo XIV received representatives of the International Association of Exorcists (AIE) in a private audience on Friday, March 13. They presented a report on the growing prevalence of cases related to occultism, esotericism, and Satanism, and the spiritual consequences they believe this has for many people.
During the meeting, the Association asked the Pontiff to ensure that every diocese in the world has one or more adequately trained exorcist priests. The request concerns not only the number of exorcists, but above all their preparation: seminary training, specific programs for new bishops, and clear discernment criteria for addressing particularly delicate pastoral situations.
According to Father Francesco Bamonte, Vice President of the AIE, ignoring these phenomena leaves many faithful without an adequate response to grave spiritual suffering, sometimes pushing them toward inappropriate solutions. This is why exorcists insist on the need for serious, prudent, and Gospel-based pastoral care.
During the audience, the Pope was also presented with the book Guidelines for the Ministry of Exorcism, along with an image of Saint Michael the Archangel from the sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo. Leo XIV also recalled his past acquaintance with and appreciation for Father Gabriele Amorth, founder of the International Association of Exorcists.
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