Theologian contests exorcist's report of Satanism in the Vatican
March 04, 2010
A Spanish theologian has taken issue with the claim by a renowned exorcist that there is Satanic influence even within the Vatican. In a book released in Italy last month, Memoirs of an Exorcist, Father Gabriele Amorth was quoted as saying that the membership in Satanic cults includes "priests, monsignors, and also cardinals."
Father José Antonio Fortea Cucurull came to the defense of the Vatican, saying that Father Amorth had gone well beyond the evidence in making his charge. "Cardinals might be better or worse," he said, "but all have upright intentions and seek the glory of God." While some Vatican officials may be more pious than others, he added, "from there to affirm that some cardinals are members of Satanic sects is an unacceptable distance."
Father Fortea said that Father Amorth's charge was based on two sorts of evidence. Some evidence comes from mystics who claim special insights; the accuracy of their messages is difficult to judge. Father Amorth also reported that during exorcisms, demons themselves claimed to hold the allegiance of Vatican officials. But Father Fortea notes that it is impossible to know when the demons are telling the truth. He concluded: "Among exorcists, some have come to similar conclusions as those of Father Amorth. Others have not."
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