This article originally appeared at Catholic World Report on April 8, 2015.

“These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in my name they will cast out devils; they will have the gift of tongues, they will pick up snakes in their hands and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison; they will lay their hands on the sick, who will recover.” (Mark 16:17-20)

Today exorcists are known more for how they are portrayed in movies than for their actual ministry. In 1991, there were only 12 of them banding together here in Italy. Since then, their association has become international, their ranks have multiplied, and the International Association of Exorcists (IAE) now numbers some 300 members from 30 different countries. Bishops, generally speaking, have become more attentive.

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