Pope Francis' talk about Satan increases worldwide interest in exorcism

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

4/14/2015 (1 year ago)

Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

Italy, other nations have witnessed a sharp rise in demand for exorcisms

The world is now in the throes of an increased awareness of Satan and the "dark arts" of exorcism. Pope Francis' fire-and-brimstone language, coupled with his frequent references to the Devil has raised awareness of the Evil One once again into the mainstream of the Catholic Church.

A week-long exorcism conference, held this week at the Pontifical University of Regina Apostolorum in Rome and endorsed by the Vatican, is being attended by around 160 Catholic priests from around the world.

Highlights

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)

Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

4/14/2015 (1 year ago)

Published in Europe

Keywords: Exorcism, Pope Francis, priests, Satan, increased awareness

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Called by some as the "Pope Francis effect," the phenomena has encouraged resurgence in faith among rank-and-file Catholics - in addition to an increased demand for exorcisms.

Dioceses in the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and elsewhere have experienced an increase in the number of people claiming to be possessed. This in turn has led to the training of more priests in the dark arts of how to perform exorcisms.

A beautiful reminder of the sacrifice of Christ -- wherever you look --

A week-long exorcism conference, held this week at the Pontifical University of Regina Apostolorum in Rome and endorsed by the Vatican, is being attended by around 160 Catholic priests from around the world.

"Pope Francis talks about the Devil all the time and that has certainly raised awareness about exorcisms," Father Cesare Truqui, a Mexican priest trained as an exorcist says. "But all Latin Americans have this sensibility - for them, the existence of the Devil is part of their faith."

The Argentine Pope commended exorcist priests for their fight against "the Devil's works," saying that the Church needed to help "those possessed by evil.

"Until a few years ago, a significant number of people in the Church didn't believe in the Devil, but people are now going back to the Scriptures," a British exorcist priest from Birmingham who asked not to be named, said.

"Pope Francis has given a certain amount of encouragement to that. A few years ago, at least half the dioceses in England and Wales did not have an exorcist. Now, pretty much all of them do."

In Italy, the diocese of Milan recently increased the number of exorcist priests from five to 12, and the diocese of Rome doubled its team of resident exorcists to 10.

Exorcists are able to discern the difference between people with medically treatable psychiatric problems, and those who were possessed by the Devil.

"Some people are mentally ill and do not need exorcism. However, others do and there are some classic signs - people who speak in ancient tongues, for instance. Other people have supernatural strength when they are in a state of possession - it might take four men to hold down a slightly built woman. In some cases, people are able to levitate."

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Pope Francis: end world hunger through 'Prayer and Action'

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Pope Francis Prayer Intentions for June 2016
Universal: Human Solidarity: That the aged, marginalized, and those who have no one may find�even within the huge cities of the world�opportunities for encounter and solidarity.
Evangelization: Seminarians and Novices: That seminarians and men and women entering religious life may have mentors who live the joy of the Gospel and prepare them wisely for their mission.