Demand for exorcists on the rise

Internet has led to an increased interest in Satanism and the occult, Church says

Father Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican's official exorcist

A six-day conference on exorcism in Rome says that there is an increased interest in Satanism and the occult, the U.K. newspaper The Telegraph reported.

The conference is being held at the Regina Apostolorum Pontifical University in Rome, which is under the Vatican's authority.

Carlo Climati, a member of the university who specialises in the dangers posed to young people by Satanism, said easy access on the internet has fueled this issue.

"In just a few minutes you can contact Satanist groups and research occultism. The conference is not about how to become an exorcist," he said. "It's to share information about exorcism, Satanism and sects. It's to give help to families and priests. There is a particular risk for young people who are in difficulties or who are emotionally fragile."

This has led to more requests for exorcisms, though the number of genuine possessions remains fairly small, said father Gabriele Nanni, a former exorcist and a speaker at the conference.