Understanding Exorcism in the Catholic Church

Exorcism is a practice rooted in the tradition of the Catholic Church, understood primarily as a sacramental rite that invokes Christ's authority to expel demons from individuals. There are two official rites of exorcism recognized within the Church, first established in 1614 and then revised in 1998. The most notable distinction lies in the specificity of procedures and the emphasis on careful discernment regarding genuine possession versus psychological illness. Notably, exorcism is not a sacrament like baptism but operates through the intercessory power of the Church, requiring meticulous advisement from a bishop and adherence to established guidelines.