Story perspectives

Washington Archdiocese Dismisses Exorcist Over UFO Demon Claims

6/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Washington Archdiocese removed Monsignor Stephen Rossetti as its exorcist after he called UFOs demons.
The archdiocese said his recent social-media activity and UFO statements gravely undermined the Church’s teaching on demons.
The dispute shows the Catholic Church’s difficulty controlling clergy messaging on algorithm-driven platforms that reward sensational religious content.
Scholars note most prominent American exorcists hold right-wing views and have linked election fraud and protests to demonic activity.

History

Historical Context

In January 1999 the Vatican, under Pope John Paul II, issued a new Rite of Exorcism—the first revision since the 1614 manual—standardizing diagnostic criteria for demonic possession. The 2004 edition added two chapters and two appendices. Today the Washington Archdiocese’s removal of Monsignor Stephen Rossetti shows how that historic push for uniform oversight now guides the US Conference of Catholic Bishops’ response to clergy messaging on demonic topics.

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Story summary

The Washington Archdiocese removed Monsignor Stephen Rossetti as its exorcist after he called UFOs demons.
The archdiocese said his recent social-media activity and UFO statements gravely undermined the Church’s teaching on demons.
The dispute shows the Catholic Church’s difficulty controlling clergy messaging on algorithm-driven platforms that reward sensational religious content.
Scholars note most prominent American exorcists hold right-wing views and have linked election fraud and protests to demonic activity.

1 / 2