Are we under attack? Pope Francis declares battle and praises exorcisms during Rome address

Pope Francis spoke about spiritual warfare and exorcisms during his weekly address in Rome. His words come at a time when exorcisms are on the rise around the world. 

Pope Francis has warned Christians about spiritual warfare.

Highlights

By Marshall Connolly (Catholic Online)
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
4/26/2018 (6 years ago)

Published in Living Faith

Keywords: Pope Francis, exorcism, spiritual warfare

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Pope Francis used his weekly address to the faithful in Rome to talk about exorcism. 

Pope Francis explained that "Christian life is a battle" and that baptism gives us a "way to fight against evil." The Sacraments empower us to defeat evil, but we must use them. 

Pope Francis said, "It is hard to fight against evil, to escape from its deceits, to take strength again after an exhausting struggle, but we must know that all Christian life is a combat." 

Exorcisms are on the rise around the world. This is likely due to the rise of secularism and hedonism. A relentless pursuit of pleasure and instant gratification has corrupted modern society. Despite living in an unparalleled time of abundance, with comfort and convenience, people are less happy and less spiritually healthy than ever before. 

People who dabble in drugs, pornography and other vices such as the occult open themselves to demonic possession. 

The Church is struggling to keep up with demand for exorcisms and is training more priests in the discipline. But this is happening at a time when vocations are in decline in the western world. 

Many exorcism cases turn out to be mental illness or drug abuse cases, and the Church directs these people to the appropriate resources. But in cases where demons do possess people's bodies, the work can be dangerous for all. 

Pope Francis' words are a reminder that the devil is real, that possession is real, and that there is a genuine danger to all. Our souls are endangered by temptation and sin, and we must engage in spiritual warfare. Fortunately, we have the Sacraments to aid us in our struggles.