The Pope’s Army: Why 300 Exorcists Just Gathered in Rome in 2025 THE WEEKLY STRANGE Episode 43

In September 2025, a startling event took place just outside Rome: the 15th International Gathering of the International Association of Exorcists (IAE). This is the factual, institutional reality behind the horror movie trope. I'll break down why 300 Catholic priests from around the world convened to discuss the 'delicate and necessary ministry' of exorcism. I reveal the Church’s rigorous diagnostic process for possession, the chilling criteria used to identify genuine cases, and the documented global surge—particularly in places like Italy—that necessitates these conferences. I also look at the direct, official endorsement from Pope Leo XIV. This is the 21st-century battle against spiritual evil, sanctioned by the Vatican, and it is far more real than you think. Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Hit That Notification Bell! Become a member of the channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXbrX0nrGZUw3BV5_5Jy3_w/join Buy Jon's Books on Amazon - Urban Fantasy, Horror, & More! https://amazon.com/stores/Jon-F.-Merz/author/B001JP43NU Watch THE OTHER SIDE OF MIDNIGHT playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsAnIzfzw1e3c7bgjK8YzF-b7xOmY7mQI&feature=shared Follow Us on Instagram https://instagram.com/jfmthepulse Watch THE WEEKLY STRANGE playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsAnIzfzw1e2-WNyetxpKNtFS5ys2buCe Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7z1Hv1ziZzEDEiRfI8FLwC Listen on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jfm-the-pulse-of-imagination/id1791854475 #strange #dark #mysterious #cosmic #paranormalpodcast #paranormal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices