Pope Leo XIV held a high-level meeting at the Vatican this month to address a troubling rise in occult activities worldwide.
The 70-year-old Pontiff met privately with leaders from the International Association of Exorcists (AIE) on March 13, 2026.
During the 30-minute audience, the group warned of a terrifying increase in “occultism, esotericism, and Satanism” across different continents.
The delegation presented a detailed report showing that more people are suffering from spiritual disturbances due to these practices.
The AIE is now asking the Pope to ensure that every Catholic diocese in the world appoints at least one adequately trained exorcist.
They alleged that the current number of specialized priests is not enough to handle the growing demand for spiritual liberation.
EWTN Vatican reported that the meeting remained private for several days before details reached the public on March 23.
The Pope allegedly listened with great attention as the exorcists described the “unprecedented challenges” facing their ministry in the modern age.
Exorcists Demand Trained Priests In Every Diocese To Combat Occultism
The primary goal of the summit was to improve the structural response of the Church to spiritual attacks.
Father Francesco Bamonte, the AIE vice president, stated that ignoring these concerns leaves many of the faithful without help.
He alleged that this lack of support often pushes suffering individuals toward “inappropriate solutions” that can cause further harm.
“The spread of occultism in its various forms, and of Satanism, unfortunately opens doors and windows to the extraordinary action of the devil in today’s world,” Bamonte stated.
He added that authorized exorcists are necessary to provide a proper response to grave spiritual suffering.
The group also called for better training for seminarians to identify these complex cases early.
During the audience, the leaders presented the Pope with a copy of their book, Guidelines for the Ministry of Exorcism.
They also gave him an image of Saint Michael the Archangel from the historic Monte Sant’Angelo sanctuary.
These gifts allegedy symbolise the ongoing battle against spiritual darkness that the association leads globally.
Pope Leo XIV Recognises Exorcism As A Vital Ministry Of Consolation
The American-born Pontiff has long been a supporter of the work done by trained Catholic exorcists.
He previously described the ministry as “delicate” yet “most necessary” for the health of the Church. He encouraged priests to see their work as a way to provide both liberation and consolation to those truly possessed by evil.
“We cannot allow machines or modern trends to replace the spiritual care of the soul,” a Vatican source alleged regarding the Pope’s stance.
Pope Leo XIV specifically remembered the late Father Gabriele Amorth, the famous exorcist who helped found the AIE.
He expressed gratitude for the “discreet yet vital” service these priests provide to the global community.
With a call for exorcists in every diocese, the Church is preparing for what it sees as a major spiritual battle. This policy could change how local parishes handle mental and spiritual health concerns in your own community.
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