{"id":4265,"date":"2026-03-25T11:34:53","date_gmt":"2026-03-25T11:34:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bangbizarre.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/25\/pope-urged-by-leading-catholic-exorcists-to-expand-number-of-priests-trained-in-demon-purging\/"},"modified":"2026-03-25T11:34:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T11:34:54","slug":"pope-urged-by-leading-catholic-exorcists-to-expand-number-of-priests-trained-in-demon-purging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bangbizarre.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/25\/pope-urged-by-leading-catholic-exorcists-to-expand-number-of-priests-trained-in-demon-purging\/","title":{"rendered":"Pope urged by leading Catholic exorcists to expand number of priests trained in demon-purging"},"content":{"rendered":"

2026-03-25 11:34:52<\/b>
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The Pope is been urged by leading Catholic exorcists to expand the number of priests trained in demon-purging.

\nAmid reports of a global rise in occult and Satanic practices, Leo XIV has met officials from the International Association of Exorcists, according to reports from EWTN Vatican and InfoVaticana, where concerns were apparently raised about increasing incidents linked to occultism.

\nThe organisation is said to be calling for every Catholic diocese worldwide to appoint at least one qualified exorcist, alongside improved training, clearer guidance for bishops and stricter criteria for identifying cases requiring intervention. Its discussions reflect growing demand for the Church\u2019s exorcism ministry, though no official global statistics exist on how many rites are performed.

\nThe International Association of Exorcists is calling for \u201cat least one qualified exorcist\u201d in every diocese and improved structures to address what it describes as complex and increasing cases.

\nFather Francesco Bamonte, vice-president of the association, is reported to have warned ignoring the trend risks leaving believers without proper support and may lead some to seek \u201cinappropriate solutions\u201d.

\nDuring the reported audience with exorcist experts, Pope Leo is said to have been presented with a copy of Guidelines for the Ministry of Exorcism and an image of Saint Michael the Archangel \u2013 a figure venerated within the Church as a spiritual warrior \u2013 from the Monte Sant\u2019Angelo sanctuary.

\nReports state Leo expressed gratitude for the work of exorcists and gave rosaries in return, also recalling Father Gabriele Amorth, who died aged 91 and helped establish the association.

\nExorcists involved in the discussions said increasing numbers of people are experimenting with occult practices and seeking guidance outside the Church, sometimes resulting in distress.

\nThey argue strengthening training and oversight is necessary to ensure appropriate responses and to protect individuals who may present with complex cases.

\nCritics have raised concerns many cases described as possession may instead require medical or psychological care. They caution framing such issues as part of a \u201cspiritual war\u201d risks alarming vulnerable individuals and diverting them from evidence-based treatment.

\nExorcists, however, maintain their procedures include medical screening and that formal training standards are essential to ensure that cases are handled responsibly.

\nDemand for exorcism appears to be rising globally.

\nMore than 300 exorcists gathered last year for the 15th International Conference of Exorcists, reflecting what participants describe as a coordinated and expanding international ministry.
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