The Archbishop of Washington DC, Cardinal Robert McElroy, removed Monsignor Stephen Rossetti as an exorcist of the Archdiocese of Washington, and ended all affiliation between the Archdiocese and the Saint Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal, as affirmed by a statement issued on June 3rd, 2026 by the Archdiocese.
Rossetti is a renowned Catholic priest, a licensed psychologist and author. He is the president of the Saint Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal and an Associate Professor at the Catholic University of America. I have read several of his books on the priesthood, and heard him speak at a few conferences for Vocation Directors. I have always found his points of view thought provoking and accurate.
The statement issued by the Archdiocese of Washington states that “Cardinal McElroy said that statements made by Monsignor Rossetti linking UFOs to demonic presence and the Center’s recent use of social media gravely undermine the Church’s very precise teaching on the devil, demons and exorcism.”
Recently, I listened to a brief sound bite by a priest stating that UFOs could be a demonic presence aimed at fooling mankind. It reminded me of young earth creationists teaching that dinosaur bones were placed by the devil under the earth to fool us into thinking that the earth is older. I do not know if what I heard was said by Monsignor Rossetti, but this statement by the Archdiocese makes me wonder.
I hope and pray things are resolved, and that Monsignor Rossetti is able to continue in this valuable ministry. That being said, it appears that when exorcists become “celebrities” they run the tremendous risk of having their priesthood derailed. I do not understand exorcists who openly speak about their ministry, when traditionally this ministry has been practiced quietly, without any fanfare, mostly to protect the priest.
A claim that UFOs may be demons is a bit odd, but the Church does not have any theological dogma about UFOs. At worst, Monsignor Rossetti’s remark is not prudent, at best, it is speculation. Does it truly merit removal? Perhaps there is more behind this, and we will learn what it is in due time.
Picture from public domain.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In