Can someone really become possessed? What happens during an exorcism? How do Catholic exorcists distinguish demonic possession from mental illness?
Those are some of the questions I asked Msgr. Stephen Rossetti, a Catholic priest, licensed psychologist, and experienced exorcist who has conducted hundreds of exorcisms.
This conversation is part of my new Exploring the Spiritual Realm series, where I talk with people about the intersection of spirituality, health, culture, and the questions that don’t fit neatly into science.
Why I Invited a Catholic Exorcist on My Podcast
Not too long ago, I came across an article about a priest who had written a book called A Diary of an American Exorcist. Curiosity won, as it usually does, so I ordered it.
The book is exactly what the title suggests: diary entries describing real experiences during exorcisms.
Growing up Catholic, I knew exorcisms existed, but that was about the extent of my knowledge. Hollywood certainly has plenty to say about them, but I had no idea what an actual Catholic exorcist believed, how someone became one, or what the process really looked like.
So I reached out to Msgr. Rossetti.
Fortunately for me—and now for you—he agreed to come on Causes or Cures.
What We Discuss
During our conversation, Msgr. Rossetti explains:
*What the Catholic Church considers demonic possession
*How possession differs from mental illness or neurological disease
*How exorcists evaluate possible cases
*What actually happens during an exorcism
*Spiritual sensitives
*His most memorable experiences
*How demons are believed to manipulate technology
*How he responds to skeptics
*How he unexpectedly became an exorcist
Whether you’re a believer, skeptic, or simply curious, it’s a fascinating look into a world most people never get to see.
Why This Conversation Fits a Public Health Podcast
Some people have asked why I’d interview an exorcist on a podcast that usually focuses on medicine and public health.
Fair question.
My approach to health has always included three interconnected dimensions:
Mind. Body. Spirit.
Not everyone shares that view, and that’s okay.
Science is incredibly good at investigating the natural world. Spiritual beliefs ask different kinds of questions—questions science isn’t necessarily designed to answer.
That doesn’t mean everyone will agree with this conversation. It also doesn’t mean everyone has to.
My goal isn’t to tell people what to believe.
It’s to explore interesting ideas with interesting people.
About Msgr. Stephen Rossetti
Msgr. Rossetti is a Catholic priest, licensed psychologist, and President of the St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal. He earned a Ph.D. in psychology, graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy, serves as a research associate professor at The Catholic University of America, and is the author of A Diary of an American Exorcist. He also helped develop the Catholic Exorcism app and maintains an active blog.
Listen to the Episode
🎙️ Listen to: A Catholic Exorcist Explains Demonic Possession: A Conversation with Msgr. Stephen Rossetti
Watch on Youtube:
Like weird but true health stories? Sign up for The Eeks Weekly!
You may also enjoy:
Epistemic Corruption: Drug Companies and the Body of Medical Science
Gary Sharpe
I am so happy that you chose to have this interview, because there are many medical practitioners who consider the very thought of the spirit world to be poppycock and hogwash. There is so much to real life that gets pushed aside to the closet of the insane. Ignorance is a thing and it often resides in the halls of higher learning.
bloomwp
Thanks for listening to the podcast, Gary!
And so true about the “closet of insanity”. It’s the default closet.
Tim
I always found it amusing that the halls of higher learning would promote the concept of thermodynamics, yet chastise and deny the spiritual. As if both concepts were somehow mutually exclusive.