Exorcists urge pope to appoint trained practitioners in every diocese
Representatives from the International Association of Exorcists (AIE) requested that Pope Leo XIV mandate at least one trained exorcist for every Catholic diocese globally. The request stems from concerns over an increasing number of cases linked to occult practices and significant spiritual harm. During a private audience, the AIE presented a report detailing the 'painful and increasingly widespread situation' of individuals affected by the devil's action due to involvement in occult sects. The association proposed structural and educational reforms, including seminary instruction on the demonic world, brief exorcism training for new bishops, and mandatory prior training for designated exorcists.
2 days ago
Representatives from the International Association of Exorcists (AIE), including Bishop Karel Orlita and Father Francesco Bamonte, met Pope Leo XIV on March 13, 2026, for a private half-hour audience at the Apostolic Palace.1 2 3
They discussed "unprecedented challenges" in exorcism ministry and presented a detailed report on rising demonic activity.1 2 3
The AIE highlighted a "painful and increasingly widespread situation" of people affected by the devil's extraordinary actions due to occult sects, Satanism, and esotericism.1 2 3
Father Bamonte noted that such practices cause possession, vexation, obsession, or infestation, linking the trend to turning away from God and rising sin.1 2 3
The group urged Pope Leo XIV to ensure every Catholic diocese worldwide appoints "one or more" properly trained priest exorcists.1 2 3
Absence of exorcists harms the faithful by depriving them of sacramental aid, weakening the Church as the "family of God."1 2 3
The AIE proposed seminary instruction on the demonic world's reality per the Gospel, brief exorcism courses for new bishops, and mandatory training for designated exorcists using the Church ritual.1 2 3
This preparation includes discernment criteria for when exorcism is needed, addressing growing faithful requests.1 2 3
Father Bamonte warned that ignoring demonic actions leaves believers defenseless, prolonging suffering or driving them to improper solutions.1 2 3
Authorized exorcists fulfill Christ's mandate to cast out demons and pastorally care for those in spiritual extremity.1 2 3
The AIE presented "Guidelines for the Ministry of Exorcism," reviewed by Vatican dicasteries, and an image of St. Michael the Archangel.1 2 3
Pope Leo XIV expressed appreciation for Father Gabriele Amorth, AIE founder in 1994.1 2 3
Ensure every diocese has a formally trained exorcist
The Catholic Church recognizes the reality of demonic possession and provides for exorcisms as a sacramental ministry rooted in Christ's authority, but it does not universally mandate that every diocese appoint a formally trained exorcist. Instead, it emphasizes prudence, episcopal discretion, and thorough protocols to discern genuine cases from natural or psychological causes, while requiring special permission for major exorcisms. This analysis examines the proposal to ensure such appointments universally, drawing on magisterial norms, canon law, and pastoral guidelines.
The local ordinary (bishop) holds primary responsibility for authorizing exorcisms, granting permission only to priests who demonstrate piety, knowledge, prudence, and integrity of life (Canon 1172 §2). This is not an automatic entitlement but a deliberate selection process, often on a stable basis or ad actum (for specific cases), under the bishop's direction. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1673) reinforces that solemn or major exorcisms—directed at expelling demons or liberating from possession—require a priest's authorization and strict adherence to Church rules, distinguishing them from simpler forms like baptismal exorcisms.
Historically, the minor order of exorcist evolved into a priestly function, absorbed by those in major orders as the catechumenate diminished and infant baptism became normative. Today, only ordained priests (or bishops) perform major rites, with lay faithful supporting through prayer but never reciting reserved prayers to avoid spiritual harm.
No canon law provision requires every diocese to have a designated exorcist. Canon 1168 allows clerics (and qualified laity for some sacramentals) as ministers, but exorcism falls under restricted sacramentals needing episcopal oversight.
Formal training is essential but follows an apprenticeship model under experienced exorcists, supplemented by modern programs. Candidates need a solid theological and spiritual foundation, balanced discernment (avoiding credulity or dismissal of the demonic), and guidance from a spiritual director rooted in the Church's sacramental life. The Introduction to Exorcisms and Related Supplications (ERS, no. 13) mandates specific preparation.
The Ukrainian Catholic Catechism echoes this: only an actual exorcist, blessed by the bishop, performs the rite. Moral certainty—between absolute proof and mere probability—is achieved via medical, psychological, and psychiatric evaluations before referral. Bishops are urged to establish diocesan protocols for assessments, ensuring rarity and gravity in genuine cases to prevent sensationalism.
While not obligatory, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) deems it advisable for every diocese to have a protocol responding to claims of affliction, involving multidisciplinary exams. This balances pastoral care with caution, as the Church has historically approached possession claims warily (e.g., Council in Trullo, Canon 60, punishing feigned possessions). Frequency depends on "credible need," not routine demand.
In regions with higher incidences (e.g., missionary areas), cases may arise more often, but even parish priests may perform duties if called upon. Confidentiality protects reputations, with exorcists' identities often limited to diocesan clergy.
Ensuring a trained exorcist per diocese faces hurdles:
The CCC affirms Satan's limited power post-baptism but warns of his deceits (CCC 414, 2116, 2852). No recent papal documents (e.g., from Pope Leo XIV) directly address this, focusing elsewhere.
| Aspect | Church Norm | Recommendation for Dioceses |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment | Episcopal permission required (Can. 1172) | Protocol for assessments |
| Training | Apprenticeship + programs; spiritual balance | Spiritual director essential |
| Rite Performance | Priest/bishop only; no laity prayers reserved to exorcist | Never alone with afflicted; female present if needed |
| Discernment | Medical/psych eval first; moral certainty | Avoid self-diagnosis or sensationalism |
The Church's wisdom favors episcopal prudence over mandates, enabling tailored responses while upholding Christ's exorcistic authority (Mk 1:25-26 et al.). Bishops should strongly consider designating trained exorcists and protocols, as advised, but universal enforcement exceeds current law. Faithful seeking help should contact their diocese, prioritizing sacraments and medical care.