Overview
- The Archdiocese of Washington removed Monsignor Stephen Rossetti from his role as an archdiocesan exorcist and ended formal ties with the St. Michael Center on June 3 after reviewing his recent statements.
- Rossetti made the remarks during a live interview broadcast on YouTube and Facebook, saying his personal belief was that “probably many if not most” UFO sightings are demons.
- Cardinal Robert McElroy said those public claims and the Center’s use of social media gravely undermined the Church’s precise teaching on the devil, demons, and exorcism and were the basis for the disciplinary action.
- Rossetti issued a statement asking forgiveness for any failure to remain faithful to Church teaching and said the St. Michael Center plans to continue its ministry independently of the archdiocese.
- The episode highlights that the Catholic Church has no formal doctrine on extraterrestrial life, that bishops handle exorcisms discreetly, and that dioceses are weighing how to police clergy speech and social media to protect official teaching.