A woman who claims she was “haunted by demons” for many years feels comforted by the Vatican’s recent decision to legally recognise an international association of exorcists that includes Maltese priests.

“This Pope talks a lot about demons and this is a good thing for people like me. We feel comforted,” said the woman, in her 60s, who did not want to be named.

Fr Marcello Ghirlando

The International Association of Exorcists was formally accepted by canon law last week. Founded in 1990, it is made up of 250 priests who are spread over 30 countries including Malta.

Fr Marcello Ghirlando, a veteran exorcist, noted that exorcisms were always “legal” when done by a priest mandated by the Diocesan Bishop.

“What has become official is the International Association of Exorcists. Before it was more of a voluntary association founded so that exorcists can meet periodically for information, updating and sharing of experiences,” he said.

Fr Franco Fenech, a member of the Curia’s commission, agreed, adding that, sometimes, people felt “pressured” after having experienced occult practices and needed help to get out of the situation.

Fr Fenech said that the most delicate part of the exorcist’s job was determining whether a person needed spiritual or psychological help.

Fr Ghirlando pointed out that an exorcist often had to work with other professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers.

“Professional training is important because amateurism tends to cause more problems than solutions,” he had told Times of Malta.

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