Urgent Need for the Church to Revive Exorcism: Freeing Souls from the Grip of Satan

 Urgent Need for the Church to Revive Exorcism: Freeing Souls from the Grip of Satan

 For centuries, the Christian Church has proclaimed that Christ came into the world “to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). Yet, in modern times, many parts of the Church have fallen silent or become reluctant to speak of the demonic, let alone practice the ministry of exorcism. The reality of Satan, demonic possession, and spiritual bondage is often dismissed as medieval superstition by both clergy and laity alike. However, the testimony of Scripture, the tradition of the Church, and the witness of seasoned exorcists such as Fr. Gabriele Amorth, the former Chief Exorcist of Rome, compel us to rediscover this neglected ministry.

 This essay explores why the Christian Church today must urgently resort to exorcism to free souls from the clutches of Satan, and how neglecting this responsibility has left many vulnerable to demonic attacks.

The Biblical Foundation of Exorcism

Jesus’ ministry on earth was marked not only by teaching and healing but also by casting out demons. The Gospels record multiple instances of Christ commanding unclean spirits to depart: “And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.” (Mark 1:39). “These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons…” (Mark 16:17)

 Exorcism was not a peripheral activity but a central sign of the Kingdom of God breaking into the world. When Jesus drove out demons, He demonstrated His victory over Satan and foreshadowed the final defeat of evil.

 The apostles, too, were given this authority (Luke 9:1). The early Church carried forward this ministry, understanding that spiritual warfare is not an option but a necessity for the salvation of souls.

 If Christ commanded the Church to “cast out demons,” why then has this command become sidelined in much of modern Christianity?

Fr. Gabriele Amorth’s Warning

 Fr. Gabriele Amorth (1925–2016), appointed the Chief Exorcist of Rome, became one of the most outspoken voices on the reality of demonic possession. He performed tens of thousands of exorcisms and wrote extensively about the devil’s strategies. His words are a prophetic rebuke to the modern Church: “The devil resides in the Vatican and you can see the consequences.”

“We have believed that Satan is a myth, an idea, the symbol of evil. No! Satan is a living, personal being who is against God.”

“Where there is no prayer, the devil acts. Where faith disappears, the devil enters.”

 

 Fr. Amorth lamented that many priests and bishops dismissed exorcism as unnecessary or embarrassing. He observed that the devil’s greatest victory in modern times has been convincing people that he does not exist. As a result, the faithful are left spiritually defenseless.

 He warned that countless people suffer from curses, occult practices, demonic oppression, and possession, but find no help from the Church because their shepherds refuse to exercise the authority Christ entrusted to them.

 Why Many Clergy Neglect Exorcism

 Despite clear biblical precedent, many priests and bishops are hesitant to take exorcism seriously. The reasons are manifold:

*Rationalism and Secular Influence – Modern society dismisses the supernatural. Priests trained in theology influenced by secular thought often interpret Satan as merely a “symbol of evil” rather than a real being.

*Fear of Ridicule – Clergy fear being mocked by the media or academics if they speak openly about demonic possession.

*Pastoral Discomfort – Exorcism requires courage, prayer, fasting, and a deep spiritual life. Many find it easier to avoid confronting the demonic.

*Over-Reliance on Psychology – While mental illness is real and must be treated medically, not all suffering is psychological. The refusal to distinguish between psychological disorders and demonic afflictions has caused many possessed individuals to go untreated spiritually.

 Fr. Amorth sharply criticized this pastoral negligence: “The lack of exorcists is a serious deficiency. Bishops who do not appoint exorcists are guilty of grave neglect.”

The Reality of Demonic Influence Today

 Modern life is saturated with spiritual dangers. Practices such as occult rituals, witchcraft, yoga-as-spirituality, Ouija boards, astrology, New Age meditation, curses, black magic, pornography, and Satanic cults have opened countless doors to demonic oppression.

 Fr. Amorth frequently explained that even seemingly harmless activities could lead to demonic entry points if they involve a rejection of Christ. He remarked: “Behind Harry Potter hides the signature of the king of darkness, the devil.”

 Though controversial, his point was not about specific books but about the cultural normalization of witchcraft and occultism, which can desensitize people to real spiritual danger.

 Exorcism is needed now more than ever because the devil’s attacks are subtler yet more widespread. Many are bound in addictions, violence, hatred, or despair that have spiritual roots. Without exorcism and deliverance ministry, the Church abandons them to Satan’s grasp.

The Power of Exorcism

 The rite of exorcism is not magic but a sacramental of the Church, invoking the authority of Christ. It requires a priest specially appointed by his bishop, operating with the authority of the Church, to command demons in the name of Jesus to depart.

 Fr. Amorth described exorcism as a battle that could last minutes, hours, or even years, depending on the level of possession. He emphasized that success does not depend on the exorcist’s personality but on faith, prayer, and the authority of Christ: “It is Jesus who liberates. The priest is only His instrument.”

 Exorcism brings freedom, healing, and restoration. Many who were once enslaved to Satan have testified to new life in Christ after exorcism.

The Church’s Duty to Her Children

 The Church is a mother who must defend her children. To neglect exorcism is to abandon the faithful to wolves. The Catechism itself acknowledges the reality of Satan and the need to resist him (CCC 395).

 Fr. Amorth once declared: “The Church has the power to drive out demons. But too many in the Church no longer believe this. This is the tragedy of our time.”

 Every diocese, he argued, should have trained exorcists available to the faithful. Bishops who fail to appoint them are failing in their duty of pastoral care.

Reclaiming the Ministry of Deliverance

How then can the Church reclaim this ministry? Several steps are crucial:

*Serious Training of Exorcists – Seminaries should teach about demonology, spiritual warfare, and the theology of exorcism. Priests must be prepared to discern and combat the demonic.

*Encouraging Priests to Fast and Pray – Jesus said, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29). Exorcists must lead holy lives.

*Educating the Faithful – The laity must be warned against occult practices and taught to rely on sacraments, prayer, and sacramentals for protection.

*Wider Use of Minor Exorcisms and Deliverance Prayers – Not every case requires the solemn rite, but all Christians should practice deliverance prayer, invoking the name of Jesus against temptations.

*Renewing Faith in Christ’s Victory – The Church must proclaim boldly that Christ has triumphed over Satan, and that through Him we have authority to resist the devil (James 4:7).

Exorcism as Evangelization

 Exorcism is not only about freeing the possessed; it is a powerful witness to the world. Every exorcism demonstrates visibly that Jesus Christ is Lord and that His power surpasses all forces of evil. In a secular age that denies God, the reality of deliverance through Christ can bring many to faith.

 Fr. Amorth frequently emphasized this point: “When people see the power of Christ manifested in exorcism, they cannot deny that Jesus is alive.”

 Exorcism, therefore, is also a form of evangelization—showing that the Church continues Christ’s work today.

A Call to Bishops and Priests

 The time has come for bishops and priests to take exorcism seriously once again. Priests must rediscover their authority in Christ, not shrinking back in fear or embarrassment. Bishops must ensure that their dioceses are not left spiritually defenseless.

 The devil is real. Possession is real. The suffering of countless souls is real. To dismiss this is pastoral negligence of the gravest kind.

 As Fr. Amorth warned: “The devil is not afraid of bishops. He is afraid of humble priests who pray.” It is not status but faith, prayer, and obedience to Christ that defeats Satan.

Conclusion: The Church Must Fight Again

 The world today is under intense spiritual warfare. Satan prowls like a roaring lion, seeking to devour souls (1 Peter 5:8). Too many in the Church have fallen asleep, abandoning this battlefield.

 Yet Christ has already won the victory, and He has entrusted the Church with His authority to “tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy” (Luke 10:19).

 The need of the hour is clear: The Christian Church must resort to exorcism with renewed seriousness. Souls are at stake. Neglect is not an option. Priests and bishops must rise up, rediscover their spiritual authority, and once more proclaim in word and deed: “In the name of Jesus Christ, depart!”