Skeptic filmmaker explores demonic possession, admits it can be 'very real'

Skeptic documentary still discourages exorcism, but many victims have been saved by it.

A new documentary explores the rise of exorcisms around the world. Italian filmmaker, Federica Di Giacomo followed a popular Sicilian exorcist as he spoke to people and performed exorcisms. Despite her skepticism, Di Giacomo said she saw some exorcisms that were "very real."

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- Exorcisms are on the rise around the world. There are no clear answers why this is happening, but Italian director Frederica Di Giacomo thinks it is because of declining mental health standards around the world.

To make her film, Di Giacomo followed Fr. Caraldo Migliazzo, 80, around Sicily as he performed exorcisms. The film is called "Deliver Me."

Di Giacomo is a skeptic, meaning she does not agree with the practice of exorcism, and prefers people seek out the advice of mental health professionals. However, this is what the Catholic Church also advises.

Demonic possession is real, but not as common as people claim. Many priests work with mental health professionals to assess people who want exorcisms. All priests are trained to tell the difference between mental health problems, drug problems, and genuine demonic possession. In cases where demonic possession is taking place, the priest can perform the rites of exorcism and help the victim.

Many people want the priest to address their problems, and all priests will listen and pray with, and for, the people they encounter.

Di Giacomo may be a skeptic, but she admitted that priests are the first to tell people to see doctors. She also confessed that some of the exorcisms were "very real."

That's because they are real.

Not everything in this world is measurable by science, or treatable with a pill. There are forces at work in the world that cannot be seen without a spiritual eye, the same as radio waves cannot be detected without the proper antenna. A select handful of priests are trained to recognize exorcisms and they are all very careful to do their work.

Exorcisms are dangerous, both spiritually and physically.

Di Giacomo remains a skeptic, and advises people against seeing priests, but for people who have suffered from possession, seeing the priest is the only thing that worked.

The best cure, as always, is prevention. People should look after their spiritual health the same as their physical health. Prayer is no different that exercise, and people ought to be mindful of what they put into their hearts and minds, just as they watch what they eat. All things occult should be avoided.

People who feel they may be suffering from demonic possession should first seek the advice of a medical professional. However, they should also be in touch with their parish priest in the event they are correct in their fear. The name of Jesus Christ is powerful, and we should frequently avail ourselves of God's grace.