Did Pope Francis Perform An Exorcism? - Catholic Priest And Exorcist, Says He's Done More Than 160,000 Exorcisms

According to a TV channel run by Italian bishops, video of the pontiff laying his hands on a disabled young man’s head represented an attempt to rid him of the devil.

While the Vatican dismissed the gesture as Francis simply praying for a sick person, the exorcist interpretation has invited more speculation about the Catholic leader, whom an Associated Press report asserted was obsessed with Satan.

Last week the Catholic archdiocese of Madrid reinforced the claim of exorcist leader Amorth that more demon fighters were needed. It said that the one exorcist it had was not enough and planned to train more.

The AP noted that only a bishop-authorized priest can do an exorcism, which involves blessings and “an interrogation of the devil.”