International Association of Exorcists Warns Against False «Collaborators» of the Late Exorcist Father Gabriele Amorth
The International Association of Exorcists issued a press release concerning false collaborators claiming association with the late Father Gabriele Amorth. Father Amorth, founder of the Association, was known for his accessible communication style regarding exorcism through various media like books, radio, and television. Some individuals exploited Father Amorth's kindness, impersonating his collaborators and attributing unknown interviews, books, and social media pages to him. The Association urges the public not to trust those claiming to be close collaborators of Father Amorth, especially if using old photos or videos as false proof. Father Amorth himself had previously warned members about these instrumentalizations in a 2016 circular letter.
2 days ago
The International Association of Exorcists issued a press release warning against individuals falsely claiming to be close collaborators of the late Father Gabriele Amorth, founder of the association.1
This statement precedes the tenth anniversary of Amorth's death on September 16, 2026.1
Amorth was renowned for his work on exorcism, shared through books, TV and radio interviews, conferences, and his Radio Maria program "Tales of an Exorcist," later published as a book.1
His communication was simple, friendly, and accessible to non-specialists.1
In his later years, individuals exploited Amorth's kindness by impersonating collaborators, attributing unauthorized interviews, books, and Facebook pages to him.1
False claims included people presenting photos or videos with him as proof of collaboration, despite minimal contact like interviews or blessings.1
Amorth addressed these issues in a May 13, 2016, letter to association members, published in Circular Letter No. 70, denying knowledge of certain books, pages, and statements attributed to him.1
He noted his true close collaborators maintain reserve and do not publicize themselves.1
In his book "My Battle with God Against Satan," co-edited with Elisabetta Fezzi, Amorth criticized false claimants who said they received his powers or laid hands on people after merely attending exorcisms.1
He emphasized he would never claim others as his spiritual children.1
The association urges caution toward anyone claiming authorization from Amorth, including websites, publications, or organizations using his name without explicit approval.1
The full text of his 2016 signed letter is reproduced to dispel doubts.1
Exorcism must be grounded in authentic Church teaching, not false claims
Exorcism, as defined by the Church, is a sacred rite performed in Christ's name to protect against or expel the influence of the Evil One, strictly regulated to ensure fidelity to divine authority and distinction from medical or psychological issues. Authentic exorcism contrasts sharply with unauthorized or superstitious practices, which the Church condemns as contrary to faith.
Jesus Christ Himself performed exorcisms, granting His Church the power to continue this ministry as a sign of God's kingdom triumphing over Satan. The Catechism explains:
When the Church asks publicly and authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the power of the Evil One and withdrawn from his dominion, it is called exorcism. Jesus performed exorcisms and from him the Church has received the power and office of exorcizing.
This authority stems from Christ's victory, anticipated in individual liberations and fulfilled on the Cross: "If it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." Satan, described as "a murderer from the beginning... a liar and the father of lies," holds temporary power over the world, but Christ's Passion delivers humanity from him.
A simple form occurs in Baptism, but major exorcism—the solemn rite for demonic possession—requires precise conditions to avoid confusion with illness.
Only priests with special and express permission from the local bishop may perform major exorcisms, selected for piety, knowledge, prudence, and integrity. The 1985 Letter from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF), under Cardinal Ratzinger, reinforces Canon 1172:
Bishops are therefore strongly advised to stipulate that these norms be observed... no one can legitimately perform exorcisms over the possessed unless he has obtained special and express permission from the local Ordinary.
Priests must act with prudence, following Church rules, and first discern true demonic presence from psychological or medical conditions: "Illness, especially psychological illness, is a very different matter; treating this is the concern of medical science."
Laity and unauthorized persons are forbidden from exorcistic formulas, even excerpts from Leo XIII's rite:
It is not even licit that the faithful use the formula of exorcism against Satan and the fallen angels, extracted from the one published by order of the Supreme Pontiff Leo XIII.
Bishops must prevent gatherings where demons are invoked or questioned without faculties, even absent possession. Such acts risk divination, rejected outright:
All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons... Consulting horoscopes, astrology... all conceal a desire for power over time... They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone.
False claims—private revelations or unapproved rites claiming supernatural authority—must be discerned by the Church, as seen in recent Dicastery letters evaluating alleged apparitions. These emphasize catechesis on Christ's definitive revelation, avoiding confusion.
The Church directs the faithful to sacraments, the Lord's Prayer ("deliver us from evil"), and intercession of Mary, angels, and saints, not DIY exorcisms. Pastors should recall these in preaching, fostering trust in Christ's grace over fear of Satan.
| Aspect | Church-Approved Means | Prohibited or Risky Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Priest + bishop permission | Lay use of formulas; questioning demons |
| Discernment | Rule out illness/psychology | Superstition, divination |
| Protection | Baptism, sacraments, prayer | Horoscopes, mediums |
| Goal | Liberation via Christ's power | Power-seeking or false revelations |
Exorcism embodies Christ's dominion over evil but demands rigorous adherence to magisterial norms to prevent abuse. Grounded in Scripture and Tradition, it rejects false claims, prioritizing medical discernment, hierarchical oversight, and sacramental life for true freedom in Christ.