Exorcist says demonic influence is strong in today's world

Published: 2006-08-29

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- An Italian exorcist said demonic influence is strong in today's world, affecting individuals and sometimes entire societies. While it is very rare for a person to be possessed by a demon, history reveals some likely examples -- including Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin, said Pauline Father Gabriele Amorth. Father Amorth, who works as an exorcist in the Diocese of Rome, made the comments in an interview with Vatican Radio Aug. 27. Father Amorth said every culture in history has shown an awareness of the existence of evil spirits. With the Bible, he said, these spirits were identified as rebellious angels who "tempt man to evil out of hatred for God. The devil can possess not only individuals but also entire groups and populations. For example, I am convinced that the Nazis were all possessed by the devil," he said.

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