Demand for Catholic exorcisms reportedly on the rise
The call for the Catholic ritual of exorcism is reportedly on the rise. According to The Baltimore Sun, requests for exorcisms are increasing, and priests performing the ritual are in greater demand than ever, with the number of exorcists in the United States growing from about two dozen 15 years ago to approximately 150 today.
Monsignor Stephen Rossetti, a Washington, D.C.-based priest and licensed psychologist, told the Sun, “We’re getting more and more people needing an exorcism. There are only about 150 exorcists in the country, and they’re being flooded with requests, including from many desperate people pleading for assistance. We can’t keep up with the demand now — and it’s only going to get worse.”
Exorcism is a prayer encounter in which a trained clergyman invokes the Holy Spirit to dispel demonic entities believed to be tormenting individuals. Screenings indicate that more than 99% of those claiming possession are experiencing mental illness, and only a small minority of cases involve genuine signs of demonic presence.
“There’s something about human nature that compels people to believe there’s something out there,” Grant Kaplan told Straight Arrow News. The St. Louis University theology professor noted the Catholic Church’s cautious approach to exorcisms, including a recent meeting between the Pope and approximately 300 exorcists.
“The Church doesn’t allow just anyone to perform exorcisms,” Kaplan said. “There’s specific training and an understanding of what’s involved. It’s a dangerous realm, so they’re careful to avoid abuse or misunderstanding.”
Kaplan explained that priests will consider other interventions, such as the Anointing of the Sick, before escalating to an exorcism.
“There’s a tendency to reinterpret biblical exorcisms as modern mental or physical health issues,” he said. “But Catholic teaching maintains that supernatural phenomena like demonic possession can’t always be reduced to biochemical explanations.”
Kaplan addressed the paradox of rising interest in exorcism and the supernatural alongside declining Catholic church attendance, which recent polls place at 13% for those who seldom or never attend Mass.
“Religious observance has dropped, but trends among young people are starting to show a rebound, especially after COVID,” Kaplan said.
He referred to sociologists like Harvey Cox, who predicted declining religiosity with advances in science and education, and Max Weber, who described the modern era as one of “disenchantment”— a loss of belief in the magical or supernatural.
“Despite fewer churches and lower attendance, people still seek a sense of magic, whether it’s through pop culture phenomena like Harry Potter and Pokémon,” Kaplan said. “People want to live in an enchanted world, even if it’s not always positive.”
Kaplan suggested that this enduring desire for enchantment could explain the growing interest in exorcisms.
“From a mental health perspective, while medications help many, some people feel their struggles are more complicated and can’t be solved chemically,” he said. “If they’re not finding relief, some may look to spiritual explanations, including demonic influence.”
He noted the recent surge in mental health awareness and the possibility that, for some, persistent issues prompt them to seek alternative explanations.
“When modern medicine doesn’t provide all the answers, people may turn to spiritual or supernatural interpretations,” Kaplan said.
Kaplan also referenced the impact of recent films and books on the subject, such as “The Conjuring” movie, which he believes has contributed to increased public interest.
A new book, “Theology of a Diary: The 1949 St. Louis Exorcism,” based on the diaries of the real-life priest whose experiences inspired “The Exorcist,” is set for release. The book’s promotion has sparked renewed interest in the story, which continues to fascinate audiences, especially as much of the original exorcism took place at St. Louis University. With the recent release of another film adaptation and a persistent public fascination with the supernatural, Kaplan said that belief in phenomena such as UFOs has reached unprecedented levels.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
