Free Republic

The marble steps Jesus is believed to have climbed before being sentenced to crucifixion have been unveiled after 300 years. The Scala Santa, or Holy Staircase, had been encased in protective maple wood since 1723 in a bid to protect the steps from years of use. But it has since been stripped back and restored with pilgrims now flocking to see the sacred steps. Three small bronze crosses are embedded in the marble and there are spots some believe are stained by Christ's blood.

Don Gabriele Amorth recounts his mentor's advice on how to talk to the Devil. In 2012, the cause of beatification and canonization for Fr. Candido Amantini, a Passionist priest who served as the exorcist for the diocese of Rome for 36 years at the Scala Santa, was taken up in Rome. His most famous disciple (who is considered to be his successor) is 87 year old Don Gabriele Amorth, who wanted to participate in the opening ceremony of the process. The Pauline priest, who recently published the book, The Last Exorcist, wished to remember the Passionist Father and told us about the time when...