The Vatican's exorcists : driving out the devil in the 21st century
(Book)

Includes bibliographical references (pages 175-177) and index.

It is one of the most ancient, arcane, and, to some, embarrassing rites of the Roman Catholic Church. Yet the demand for exorcism--and trained exorcists--is booming. Foreign correspondent Tracy Wilkinson reveals how "devil detox" has become an industry, complete with international conventions and plenty of controversy. We meet Father Amorth, who has led a campaign to reestablish exorcism as a respected rite. Based on extensive interviews with Amorth, Church officials, scientists, and lay Catholics--as well as on the exorcism she witnessed herself--Wilkinson shows how modern exorcisms are performed and the impact they are having. Are the "possessed" actually suffering from mental or emotional problems that should be treated medically? Why are the majority of people receiving exorcisms women? Wilkinson shares answers she received from Father Amorth and others to these questions and more. She also tells us what the exorcised have to say about the experience.--From publisher description.