It’s been 100 years since the birth of Father Gabriele Amorth, a man whose name became synonymous with exorcism and spiritual warfare.
Known across the world for his unflinching dedication to freeing people from what he believed were the grips of demonic forces, his legacy is still making waves in the Catholic Church and beyond.
This week, Father Marcello Lanza of the International Association of Exorcists took a moment to honor him, calling Amorth “the most famous exorcist of the 20th century.”
His tribute was published in an article on the association’s website — and it paints a powerful picture of a man who was deeply committed to battling evil, no matter the cost.
He Didn’t Fear Judgment — He Feared Silence
According to Father Lanza, what set Amorth apart was his courage to speak openly about spiritual realities others often avoided — even if it meant ridicule.
“He wasn’t afraid of the misunderstandings that came from his work,” Lanza wrote.
“He believed it was more important to bring attention to the real suffering of those dealing with what he called extraordinary diabolical phenomena.”
Amorth believed in pulling back the veil on things many considered harmless — from horoscopes to séances to the casual use of magic.
He saw spiritual danger hidden in plain sight and wanted to warn people, especially those within the Church who were skeptical or silent.
A Life of Purpose, Passion, and Powerful Conviction
Amorth was not just an outspoken priest; he was a man driven by what Lanza described as “love for humanity.”
Whether writing, preaching, or carrying out exorcisms, his efforts were grounded in compassion for those he believed were suffering spiritual attacks.
Lanza, who knew Amorth personally, emphasized that his powerful presence came from a deep spiritual life — and an unwavering sense of mission.
He didn’t just talk about evil in theory. He performed thousands of exorcisms and was widely consulted on the subject.
His mystical life, Lanza said, reminded the world that exorcism was not a spectacle but a ministry of healing — and that those in torment needed the Church’s love and support.
Confronting the Devil in the Light of Faith
Lanza shared that one of Amorth’s greatest contributions was reminding both clergy and laypeople that Satan was not just a metaphor.
In a world increasingly skeptical of spiritual evil, Amorth insisted that the battle between good and evil was real — and that choosing Christ meant entering into that struggle.
He also criticized theologians who dismissed the existence of Satan, arguing that they were ignoring a vital part of the Church’s spiritual understanding.
“Amorth believed that the mystery of redemption is, above all, about liberation from the devil,” Lanza wrote, echoing what several popes have also said over the years.
From Small-Town Italy to the Heart of the Church
Gabriele Amorth was born on May 1, 1925, in Modena, Italy.
His journey toward priesthood began early — at age 12 — thanks to his involvement in Catholic youth groups.
Though he initially considered joining the Passionists, a different congregation, he ended up with the Society of St. Paul, where he would later be ordained a priest in 1954.
In his early ministry, he worked in prisons and served in pastoral roles before being appointed chief exorcist of the Diocese of Rome in 1986 by Cardinal Ugo Poletti.
Just four years later, in 1990, he helped establish the International Association of Exorcists, where he served as president until he turned 75.
Warning the World About the Occult
Amorth’s reach went far beyond the pulpit. He wrote best-selling books like An Exorcist Tells His Story and Exorcism and Psychiatry, which introduced many people to the idea of spiritual warfare.
He warned of the dangers of things like Ouija boards, astrology, and black magic — arguing that these weren’t harmless pastimes but gateways to spiritual harm.
He also made frequent appearances on TV and radio, often consulted by the Vatican itself when it came to demonic possession and exorcism practices.
A Life Larger Than Hollywood Could Capture
Father Amorth passed away on September 16, 2016, in Rome at the age of 91.
In the years since, his life has continued to inspire — and, at times, stir debate.
One recent example is The Pope’s Exorcist, a Hollywood film loosely based on his life.
Though it claimed to be inspired by Amorth, fellow exorcist and theologian Father José Antonio Fortea dismissed the movie as “a distortion” and “an exaggeration of reality.”
His Mission Still Speaks to the Church Today
Father Lanza closed his tribute by thanking Amorth for his unwavering commitment to defending the vulnerable and reminding the Church of its spiritual responsibility.
“The mystical life and the fight against Satan are inseparable,” he said, quoting Amorth’s own belief that choosing Christ always invites opposition from evil.
Even a century after his birth, Amorth’s message remains loud and clear — evil is real, but so is the power of faith.