Father Gabriele Amorth remembered as exorcist, spiritual guide, and communicator

ROME — A conference marking the 10th anniversary of the death of Father Gabriele Amorth offered a lesser-known portrait of the celebrated exorcist, highlighting his humanity, spirituality, and gift for communicating the faith.

A large audience gathered Sept. 16 at the Basilica of St. Mary Queen of Apostles in Rome for the conference, titled “Father Gabriele Amorth: The Living Legacy for the Church and Our Time.”

Amorth died in Rome on Sept. 16, 2016. The Italian Catholic magazine Famiglia Cristiana, the Society of St. Paul, and the International Association of Exorcists organized the event in his memory.

Speakers included Father Francesco Bamonte, vice president of the International Association of Exorcists; Father Marcello Lanza, an exorcist in the Diocese of Acerra and a scholar of Amorth’s life; Father Aldo Buonaiuto, an exorcist and coordinator of the anti-cult service of the Pope John XXIII Community; and Father Stefano Stimamiglio, director of Famiglia Cristiana. Annachiara Valle, Famiglia Cristiana’s Vatican correspondent, moderated the discussion.

The speakers portrayed Amorth as a priest who dedicated his life to the ministry of exorcism but whose thought and example also shed light on broader dimensions of spirituality and faith. The conference explored not only his ministry but also his profound humanity and a spirituality that approached mysticism.

Bamonte reviewed the principal stages of Amorth’s life and ministry. Cardinal Ugo Poletti appointed the Pauline priest an exorcist of the Diocese of Rome in 1985. Amorth trained under Venerable Father Candido Amantini, a Passionist priest and renowned exorcist at Rome’s Scala Santa.

Amorth’s dedication to the ministry led him to establish the International Association of Exorcists in 1994. He served as its president until 2000.

Formation was particularly important to Amorth. He sought to provide firm theological criteria and prevent people’s suffering and vulnerability from being exploited through occult practices. Bamonte also emphasized Amorth’s attentiveness to those who suffered and his understanding of exorcism as an “act of charity.”

Lanza examined the relationship among theology, mysticism, and spiritual discernment in Amorth’s life and ministry.

Buonaiuto drew a parallel between Amorth and Father Oreste Benzi, founder of the Pope John XXIII Community. He described them as two priests who “certainly did not know diplomacy” and who addressed directly the issue closest to their hearts: the suffering of others.

Stimamiglio focused on Amorth’s ability to communicate simply and without technical language. Amorth did not reject journalism but believed it should be as clear as possible and remain close to the truth — an approach inspired by Blessed James Alberione, founder of the Society of St. Paul — and ultimately point toward the truth of the Gospel and of Christ.

This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.