No exorcism

Pope Francis’ decision to place his hands on the head of a sick child and pray over him on Pentecost Sunday stirred speculation he might have performed an exorcism.

The Director of the Press Office of the Holy See, Fr. Federico Lombardi, SJ, clarified today that the Holy Father did not perform an exorcism on the occasion. The Holy Father did not intend to perform any exorcism, said Fr Lombardi. Rather, as he frequently does with the sick and the suffering who come his way, he intended simply pray for a suffering person who had been brought before him.
 
Exorcism is, in the strict sense, the casting out of evil spirits. The power to exorcise was conferred by Jesus on the apostles, and it is understood that this power passes to the bishops who are the successors to the apostles, and priests the co-workers, who are suitably delegated by their proper Ordinaries (Bishops or Religious Superiors). That said, the Church has had – for many hundreds of years, it ought to be added – a very precise ritual of exorcism: there are no evangelical-style tent revival theatrics, but careful, even methodical attention and faithful following of the prescribed prayers, gestures and use of sacramentals such as holy water and the crucifix.