What is the Catholic Church's teaching and practice regarding Major Exorcisms?
The Catholic Church takes demonic activity seriously while exercising extreme medical and psychological prudence. The Church distinguishes between minor exorcisms (such as those in the baptismal liturgy) and the Major Exorcism (solemn rite). A Major Exorcism can only be performed by an authorized priest with the explicit permission of the diocesan bishop, after thorough medical and psychiatric examinations have ruled out mental illness. Through the authority of Jesus Christ and His Church, the priest commands demons to depart, liberating victims from demonic possession.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1673
- Mark 16:17
Awaiting review by the chaplaincy. Written in our own words; the Church's own texts are the authority.