Pope Francis Blesses International Association of Exorcists for Their Work

The International Association of Exorcists says satanism is gaining popularity. Valter Cascioli, a spokesman for the organization, said there has been an "extraordinary increase in demonic activity" during a segment on Vatican radio. 

The International Association of Exorcists includes around 300 members. The group met in Rome last week to talk with the Pope and discuss the impact of the occult and Satanism.

Cascioli said people are too willing to participate in "ordinary demonic activity."

Renowned exorcist Fr. Aldo Buonaiuto recently said, "Many say Halloween is a simple carnival, but in fact there is nothing innocent or fun about it — it is the antechamber to something much more dangerous," he said. "There are always more evil rituals, animal sacrifices, desecrations of cemeteries and thefts of sacred bones at the time of Oct. 31."

Last week Pope Francis also took the time to bless the Exorcists.

"Those who perform this particular ministry, in conjunction with the bishops, must work 'with love and kindness from the church toward those who suffer because of the evil one," he wrote in a message.

Publication date: November 7, 2014