Medieval tradition or modern need? Between faith and occultism, the role of an exorcist is reborn in a contemporary context and regulated by university courses. The Diocese of Lugano has appointed a new official exorcist. The news has surprised many who assumed such practices were consigned to the Middle Ages or to horror films—but also brought relief to some of the faithful. What lies behind this decision? What needs does it respond to? Swiss public broadcaster RSI set out to explore a role that has re-emerged in a modern form, underpinned by academic training and driven by growing demand from people in distress and the Church's desire to counter occult and esoteric practices. The Lugano exorcist "I’ve seen people spit nails – I can't explain it, but I saw it with my own eyes," says journalist Paolo Rodari, who for years followed Father Gabriele Amorth, arguably Rome’s most famous exorcist. Now deceased, Amorth lives on in cinematic memory (Russell Crowe portrayed him in The ...
