The Catholic Church has issued an urgent call for more exorcists, citing a rise in demonic possession linked to the internet, alcohol, pornography, and even the Harry Potter series. Experts in the US and Italy warn that cases of satanism are increasing, creating a pressing need for trained exorcists.
Valter Cascioli, a psychologist and consultant to the Vatican-endorsed International Association of Exorcists, described the lack of exorcists as a 'real emergency'. He noted a significant increase in diabolical possessions and occult practices, particularly among young people influenced by online content.
In the United States, the number of official priest exorcists has more than quadrupled from 12 to 50 over the past decade. Father Vincent Lampert, an exorcist from Indianapolis, attributed the surge to a spiritual void and addictive behaviours such as drugs and pornography, stating that 'the decline in faith goes hand in hand with the rise in evil'.
Signs of demonic possession, according to Father Ildebrando Di Fulvio, include vomiting metal objects, speaking ancient languages like Aramaic or Latin, and reacting violently to prayers or holy water. The Church is calling for university-level training programmes that integrate science and religion to address the growing demand for exorcists.
