Story perspectives

Pope Leo XIV Advocates for Trained Exorcists Amid Rising Occultism

3/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Pope Leo XIV met on March 13 at the Vatican with the International Association of Exorcists (AIE) to discuss rising occultism, esotericism, and Satanism.
The meeting focused on spiritual consequences.
AIE urged the Pope to ensure every diocese has trained exorcist priests to address spiritual suffering among the faithful.
Father Francesco Bamonte emphasized proper responses to these issues.
The Pope acknowledged exorcism as a ministry of liberation and consolation.

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Story summary

Pope Leo XIV met on March 13 at the Vatican with the International Association of Exorcists (AIE) to discuss rising occultism, esotericism, and Satanism.
The meeting focused on spiritual consequences.
AIE urged the Pope to ensure every diocese has trained exorcist priests to address spiritual suffering among the faithful.
Father Francesco Bamonte emphasized proper responses to these issues.
The Pope acknowledged exorcism as a ministry of liberation and consolation.