Catholic Priest Loses Exorcist Role Over UFO Comments

A Catholic priest who has been conducting exorcisms in Washington, D.C. for nearly two decades has been dismissed after suggesting that UFOs could be demons in disguise.

On June 3, Cardinal Robert McElroy announced that Bishop Stephen Rossetti, associated with the Archdiocese of Washington, would no longer serve as the exorcist. This decision also involved cutting connections with Rossetti’s St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal, a nonprofit organization he leads. Rossetti, who is part of the Diocese of Syracuse in New York, had been an exorcist for 19 years, as reported by EWTN.

The controversy erupted following a video posted by Rossetti on May 29. In this video, he expressed concerns about unidentified aerial phenomena, cautioning viewers to be wary. “There is danger here,” he stated, emphasizing that he aimed to raise awareness about potential evils, suggesting that the devil may want to keep such risks hidden. He framed this perspective as his personal viewpoint, rather than a formal Church teaching.

McElroy, however, disagreed with Rossetti’s assessment. He indicated that Rossetti’s statements, combined with the activities of the center on social media, greatly undermined the Church’s established teachings regarding the devil and exorcism, according to an official statement from the archdiocese.

McElroy is known as one of the more progressive leaders in the American Church. He has previously advocated for what he calls “radical inclusion” of marginalized groups, such as the LGBT community and divorced Catholics, expressing deep concern over the hostility some individuals hold towards these groups.

Rossetti is not an unfamiliar figure; he has a significant online presence, teaches at Catholic University, and has been active in addressing the clergy abuse crisis while protecting children within the Church. Additionally, he has served as the Catholic chaplain for the Washington Nationals for about a decade, previously celebrating Mass for the team during their 2019 World Series run.

In response to his removal, Rossetti expressed a quiet acceptance of the decision and asked for forgiveness for straying from the teachings of the Church’s Magisterium, especially regarding his comments about aliens and demons. He mentioned that the St. Michael Center would continue its mission in other locations.