The Vatican's Exorcists: Driving Out the Devil in the 21st Century

A deep dive into modern exorcisms, including interviews with Father Gabriele Amorth, the man who inspired The Pope’s Exorcist starring Russell Crowe.

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. And although the number of priests who perform this dramatic ritual in Italy has risen ten times over the past decade, the Church has been unable to keep up with the skyrocketing demand.

In The Vatican’s Exorcists, award-winning foreign correspondent Tracy Wilkinson reveals how “devil detox” has become an industry, complete with motivational speakers, international conventions, and plenty of controversy. She introduces us to Father Gabriele Amorth, the energetic octogenarian who has led a campaign to reestablish exorcism as a regularly practiced―and respected―rite. And 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.

“Fascinating and full of surprises.” ―Booklist

TRACY WILKINSON lives with her husband in Rome, Italy.