Exorcism Requests RISING Across U.S.

A priest holding a golden chalice during a religious ceremony

Growing demand for exorcisms in America reveals a clash between spiritual beliefs and modern skepticism.

Story Snapshot

Exorcism requests in the U.S. are rising, with over 50% of dioceses reporting an increase.
Priests attribute this surge to declining faith and occult practices, sparking debate.
The Catholic Church expands training for exorcists to meet growing global demand.
Media and skeptics link the trend to mental health issues, highlighting societal divides.

Rising Demand for Exorcisms Surprises Many

In recent years, exorcism requests in the United States have surged, with over 50% of responding Catholic dioceses reporting an increase. This trend has been attributed by many priests to a decline in traditional faith and an uptick in occult practices. While some see this as a response to spiritual crises, skeptics argue it reflects societal issues like mental health gaps.

Fr. Stephen Rossetti, an experienced exorcist, notes that the demand for exorcisms is tied to a spiritual vacuum in modern society. According to Rossetti, the lack of religious engagement leaves individuals vulnerable to influences they cannot control, turning to the Church for solutions. This rise in exorcism requests is not just a local phenomenon but part of a global trend acknowledged by the Vatican, which is expanding its training programs for exorcists.

Church’s Response and Media Skepticism

The Catholic Church has responded to this growing demand by increasing the number of trained exorcists. Since 2018, the number of active exorcists in the U.S. has grown significantly, with the Vatican planning further training sessions. However, media outlets like CNN and Salon have expressed skepticism, linking the rise in exorcisms to broader cultural fascinations and gaps in mental health services.

This skepticism is compounded by the fact that many dioceses do not track exorcism requests, making it difficult to quantify the trend accurately. Nonetheless, the Church emphasizes that exorcisms are rare and only performed after thorough mental health evaluations, though anecdotal evidence suggests a steady increase in requests.

Implications and Future Outlook

The ongoing rise in exorcism requests highlights a deeper cultural and spiritual fragmentation in American society. As traditional religious practices decline, belief in demonic possession persists, reflecting a complex landscape where ancient rituals meet modern anxieties. This trend has broader implications for both religious institutions and mental health professionals, who must navigate these overlapping areas of belief and skepticism.

Moving forward, the Catholic Church and other stakeholders will need to address these challenges while maintaining their spiritual and cultural relevance. The conversation surrounding exorcisms serves as a microcosm of larger societal questions about faith, science, and the nature of evil in the modern age.