Overview
- Cardinal Robert McElroy announced the removal of Monsignor Stephen Rossetti from his role as an exorcist and said the archdiocese will no longer maintain institutional ties with the St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal.
- The action follows a video in which Rossetti said his personal belief is that “probably many if not most” UFO sightings are demons, a claim the archdiocese said misstates Church teaching on the devil and exorcism.
- Rossetti posted a statement saying he was saddened, asked forgiveness for any departures from Church teaching, vowed to strive for obedience, and indicated the center will continue ministry outside the archdiocese.
- The original May 29 video has been removed from public view though short clips remain on social platforms, a spread that officials cited as part of their concern over how theological claims are presented online.
- Exorcists serve a narrowly defined pastoral role under a bishop’s authority, and the move highlights the church’s effort to police doctrinal clarity and manage reputational risk as public interest in possession and exorcism grows.