Pope urged by leading Catholic exorcists to expand number of priests trained in demon-purging
The pope is being encouraged by leading Catholic exorcists to increase the number of priests trained to exorcise demons.
Amid reports of a global increase in occult and Satanic practices, Leo XIV met with officials of the International Society of Exorcists, according to reports from EWTN Vatican City and InfoVaticana; where concerns about the increase in occult-related incidents were openly expressed.
The organization is said to be calling for every Catholic diocese worldwide to appoint at least one qualified exorcist, along with improved training, clearer guidance for bishops and stricter criteria for identifying cases requiring intervention. The controversies reflect growing demand for the Church’s exorcism ministry, although official global statistics are not available on how many rituals are performed.
The International Association of Exorcists calls for “at least one qualified exorcist” in every diocese and calls for improved structures to handle what it describes as complex and increasing cases.
The association’s vice president, Father Francesco Bamonte, reportedly warned that ignoring this trend could deprive believers of appropriate support and lead some to seek “inappropriate solutions.”
During audiences reportedly attended by exorcists, Pope Leo is said to have been presented with a copy of the Ministry of Exorcism Manual and an image of the Archangel Michael from the temple of Monte Sant’Angelo, revered within the Church as a spiritual warrior.
According to reports, Leo expressed gratitude for the exorcists’ work and offered rosary beads in return, also recalling Father Gabriele Amorth, who died at the age of 91 and helped found the association.
Exorcists who participated in the discussions said a growing number of people were experimenting with occult practices and seeking guidance outside the Church, sometimes leading to distress.
They argue that strengthening training and oversight is necessary to ensure appropriate responses and protect individuals who may face complex cases.
Critics have raised concerns that many cases described as possession may require medical or psychological care. They warn that framing such issues as part of a “spiritual warfare” risks alarming vulnerable individuals and alienating them from evidence-based treatment.
But exorcists maintain that their procedures include medical screening and that formal training standards are required to ensure cases are handled responsibly.
The demand for exorcisms seems to be increasing worldwide.
Last year, more than 300 exorcists gathered for the 15th International Conference of Exorcists; This reflects what participants described as a coordinated and expanding international ministry.
