Overview

• In a greeting to the International Association of Exorcists’ annual meeting near Rome, Leo XIV lauded their “delicate and highly necessary” ministry of deliverance from evil.
• The message urged supporting those believed to be possessed with prayer and the invocation of Christ so that God may grant victory over Satan through the sacrament of exorcism.
• About 300 clergy attended the gathering organized by the Vatican-recognized association, which operates in roughly 30 countries and trains exorcists.
• The stance reflects continuity with Pope Francis, who repeatedly emphasized the need to confront Satan and demons.
• Exorcism remains practiced in parts of the Catholic world as a prayerful rite, though critics argue many cases warrant medical or psychological care.