Pope Francis has advised Catholic priests “not to hesitate” in using exorcism to cases of “genuine spiritual disturbances.”
Speaking to hundreds of priests, he advised priests to refer people to exorcists if they suspect demonic activity is at work, rt.com reported.
“When the confessor becomes aware of the presence of genuine spiritual disturbances – that may be in large part psychic, and therefore must be confirmed by means of healthy collaboration with the human sciences – he must not hesitate to refer the issue to those who, in the diocese, are charged with this delicate and necessary ministry, namely, exorcists,” he told the hearing.
The Vatican had issued revised guidelines on the practice of exorcism in 1999, in which it warned against confusing mental illness with possession. The guide says exorcism should only be attempted after medical and psychiatric approaches have been explored, RT said.
