Posted on 03/03/2010 7:19:22 PM PST by marshmallow
Rome, Italy, Mar 3, 2010 / 04:20 pm (CNA).- A renowned exorcist in Rome recently released a book of memoirs in which he declares to know of the existence of Satanic sects in the Vatican where participation reaches all the way to the College of Cardinals. A second demonologist, also residing in Rome, entered the debate this week, clarifying the origins of the information and defending the Vatican's clergy as an "edifying and virtuous" collection of prelates.
In a book of memoirs released in February, the noted Italian exorcist Fr. Gabriele Amorth affirmed that "Yes, also in the Vatican there are members of Satanic sects." When asked if members of the clergy are involved or if this is within the lay community, he responded, "There are priests, monsignors and also cardinals!"
The book, "Father Amorth. Memoirs of an Exorcist. My life fighting against Satan." was written by Marco Tosatti, who compiled it from interviews with the priest.
Fr. Amorth was asked by Tosatti how he knows Vatican clergy are involved. He answered, "I know from those who have been able to relate it to me because they had a way of knowing directly. And it's something 'confessed' most times by the very demon under obedience during the exorcisms."
The famous Italian exorcist was also asked if the Pope was aware of Satanic sects in the Vatican, to which Fr. Amorth replied, "Of course, he was informed. But he does what he can. It's a horrifying thing."
Benedict XVI, being German, comes from a place "decidedly averse to these things," argued Fr. Amorth, saying that in Germany "there practically aren't any exorcists." However, he clarified, "the Pope believes (in them)."
The Italian priest also warned of the existence of bishops and priests who do not believe in Satan in the interview. "And yet, in the Gospel, Jesus speaks extensively about it, so it should be said, either they've never read the Gospel or they just don't believe it!"
Fr. Jose Antonio Fortea Cucurull, a Spanish priest and theologian who specializes in demonology and is now studying for his doctorate of theology in Rome, responded to Fr. Amorth's assertions on March 1.
After reading reports of Fr. Amorth's accusations pointing a finger at members of the clergy, including cardinals, Fr. Fortea declared that it is a "duty of justice" to speak out in their defense.
Noting that some prelates "are more spiritual and others more earthly, some more virtuous and others more human," he wrote on his blog, "from there to affirm that some cardinals are members of Satanic sects is an unacceptable distance."
The Spanish priest then explained the sources of information used by Fr. Amorth to say that Satanic sects are operating in the Vatican.
In addition to the people that seek help for demonic possession, said Fr. Fortea, "innumerable persons come to us who claim to have visions, revelations and messages from Our Lord." Among these, "a certain number offer apocalyptic messages and revelations about the infiltration of Satanism and the Masons within the dome of the Church."
Fr. Fortea added that the only acceptable stance is to suspend judgment of the messages while they are subjected to time-intensive discernment, "sometimes months for each one of the cases."
The other source Fr. Amorth refers to, according to Fr. Fortea, is the demons who are being exorcised. Of this, the Spanish priest wrote that knowing whether or not the demon is telling the truth "is in many cases impossible."
"We can know with great confidence when a demon tells the truth in the subject directly related with the exorcism. That is, the number of demons, their name and similar things. But we cannot be confident in what regards concrete news relating to people."
"Father Amorth does not have other sources of knowledge than the two that I just cited," indicated the Spanish exorcist, "I refer to his own words for this affirmation."
Fr. Fortea observed that the existence of similar messages from the same sources is "something known by me just as (it has been) by many other colleagues for many years."
"Among exorcists, some have come to similar conclusions as those of Fr. Amorth. Others have not."
Fr. Fortea also defended those implicated in Fr. Amorth's statements, stating, "Our College of Cardinals, if we compare it with past centuries is the most edifying and virtuous that history has ever known. One would have to go back to the epoch of the Roman Empire to find a body of electors so distanced from all earthly pretension as the current one is.
"Cardinals might be better or worse," he reflected, "but all have upright intentions and seek the glory of God."
He concluded by emphasizing, "Statements must be proven, especially when they are about such grave accusations that affect the honorability of those who form part of the Head of the Church as far as they help the Supreme Pastor."
Fr. Amorth recommends, in his first book, that every bishop appoint an exorcist for his diocese. His contention that there are far too few exorcists is very accurate, imo.
Desdemona helped me to understand what was meant.... as you say the existence of, not a belief in the entity of the devil. Sorry I am tired tonight and trying to get caught up on what is going on in this world and it struck me odd in the words used. And I am not disagreeing with the existence of the devil just needed clarification that I understood what was being said. Thanks.
If he exists, no. If a radiologist tells an ignorant person, do not go into the x-ray room because the radiation can cause severe genetic damage, then the person can either believe him and obey, or he can simply go into the room and be there comfortably as long he wishes since he can see or feel nothing. Satan exists, but hides in darkness. He will manifest the moment when someone decides to willfully live a spiritual godly life.
(Here is a question. If Fr. Amorth knows all of this, then why doesn't he go ahead and "clean house" at the Vatican? If it is true, then he should do something about it instead of just writing about it. I think he sounds like he is nuts.)
Fr. Amorth is doing his part by exposing the truth. It is not easy to clean up everything at once.
A diligent policeman may have information about the thieves, the drug peddlers, the mafias groups, terrorists, etc., from many sources. He does doesn't go and clean them up in a jiffy.
There are many procedures to undergo, media, politics, permission, authority, power, etc., and each thing has to tackled in a differently based on relevance, dangers, complexities, etc., in their respective time. Some may be tackled quickly, some may take a long time, and somethings may continue persist despite all measures. It is akin to nation's fight against criminals, it will never end as long as sin in this world exists, but fight nevertheless we should.
There are so few active Catholic priests working as exorcists that often, people who need their services, have to travel great distances, even out of the country.
As far as I know, it is up to the bishop of each diocese to appoint an exorcist. Exorcism can take weeks or months, may not be fully complete for greater than a year.
It was either this Pope or the last one who confirmed that satan had entered the vatican...disturbing him very much that this was apparently confirmed. Wish I could remember the source..tv..article or what ever. I do know I was surprised to hear that acknowleged by the Pope.
Very interesting. I will have to look into that. My primary research area is Medieval Church history so there I have a rather big interest in demonology and exorcism and my interest carries over into modern demonology.
I am currently researching a possible book idea on serial killers (who became Christians) and their views on demon possession.
I believe there is a difference between demonic influence and that of possession. Either one you step close to I think one needs a great measure of the Lords Spirit to battle. But equally and more complicated is when they mask as an angel of light...much more difficult to discern if you're not tight with God.
There was a priest or pastor working with some tribal people where there was a great deal of demon possession. While working with a man the Priest/Pastor told the demon that he no longer had control because Christ had defeated him at the Cross. The demon laughed and cackled and mocked at the Pastor/Priest telling him he was wrong that he was not defeated at the Cross. The Priest/Pastor said you are a defeated foe but if not at the cross then where? The demon said the forces of darkness were defeated in the desert... (when Jesus was tempted)
Later the Priest/Pastor thought much on why the dessert? Then it dawned on him had Christ succumbed in the dessert...there would never have been a crucified Christ.
It was Paul VI and it was 1972 or 1973. Somewhere in there.
BTW, it's a matter of Canon Law that all dioceses have an exorcist on staff. Whoever it is is kept secret for their protection, but this is serious stuff.
Believe in the existence and fear Satan, etc., but don’t worship. There’s a big difference.
Excellent summary.
Satan is our enemy, and yes he exists, but Christ said I give you power over your enemies. Not even the pigs wanted his (satan's) fellow travelers dwelling within them. Satan is not just the appearance and personification of evil, he is a transforming light and he was created in the full pattern of beauty. Satan knows Scripture better than any flesh being on this earth and he knows the nature of flesh man. Look what he tempted Christ with, that took place so as to warn us what is MO is. My earthly analogy is how Hollywood is the beauty of the beast of liberalism... seductive.
That is really interesting. And I do know that I have to be spiritually prepared for my academic work. The topics I deal with involves spiritual battles as well.
Yes I thought interesting as well...pondered it for a time. I’ve had experiences with people who have or are walking in dark places...amazing how God allows these people to come into our live unexpectedly...but He does prepare us and His teaching never goes wasted.
Your academic work sounds very interesting....I have studied Free Masonary and the Kabbala...Cults...etc. etc. but not formal teaching of...just years of research under my belt. Am sure you are grateful having the opportunity of your studies...I think the world ahead is going to become darker and much more active than the years have thus shown...and far more open rather than behind closed doors. We see evidences of this already.
You’re likely right but this I referenced was not so long ago...perhaps they were just confirming that it remains an issue at the Vatican. humm
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