Exorcism: 'So-called possession cases are often psychological issues' (2024)

Father Prosper Monnan Ogou, an exorcist in the Diocese of Yopougon in Ivory Coast, has been actively involved in addressing spiritual and psychological issues within his community. Father Ogou spoke with La Croix International's Guy Aimé Eblotié aboutthe importance of distinguishing between genuine possession cases and psychological problems requiring medical attention.

The Association of Franch-speaking African Exorcists is conducting a training session from June 9-12 in Yamoussoukro, the capital of Ivory Coast, focused on the ministry of exorcism and liberation prayer. Father Ogou, who is hosting the event, discussed its importance.

La Croix International: Why have an association of French-speaking African Exorcists?

Father Prosper Ogou: Our association was created in 2019 at the request of the International Association of Exorcists, headquartered in Rome. During our international meetings, we were encouraged to organize locally. Consequently, in 2019, we French-speaking priests gathered in Burkina Faso and established an office for French-speaking exorcists in West and Central Africa.

The International Association of Exorcists was founded by (the late) Father Gabriele Amorth, the exorcist for the Diocese of Rome. He recognized the need to unite exorcists worldwide for training. His goal was to promote exorcist training, facilitate their meetings, and integrate their ministry into the ordinary pastoral work of local churches. While exorcism is mentioned in seminary training for future priests, the topic isn't deeply explored.

Moreover, although exorcism has a ritual in Latin, much experience is gained through practical ministry. Father Amorth's idea was to share these experiences to help us better assume this pastoral role and maintain the Church's orthodoxy. This is what we aim to do locally through our association, and this training is on exorcism and liberation prayer.

What will be covered in this session?

During our sessions, we will discuss the guidelines of the exorcism ritual. There will also be training on mental health and exorcism or possession cases. This is crucial because sometimes what is deemed possession is actually a psychological issue requiring medical attention, which we will accompany with prayer. There are indeed cases of demonic possession, but they are very rare, and exorcists are often overwhelmed by cases where individuals need listening and prayer support.

We will also hear explanations about the mystical world from former satanists or witches. Additionally, there will be training on liturgy and exorcism to address the issue of Masses for the sick with liberation prayers. The training is open to all priests, exorcists or not, who wish to learn, similar to the one we attended in Rome in May.

There are also laypeople who practice liberation prayers…

Exorcism is a ministry of the Catholic Church, and the first exorcist of a diocese is the bishop, who delegates this role to one or more priests. It is a ministry reserved for priests. However, some laypeople have received the charism of liberation, a gift from God, and we cannot prevent this charism from being expressed. But they need to be supervised by us priests. Alongside laypeople who perform an authentic ministry, there are those who simulate it. That is why we ask them to obey and align with the Church’s vision, as there are many deviations.

When we launched this training, many laypeople expressed a desire to participate. For now, it is reserved for priests, as it is essential that we, as priests, remain within the Church’s orthodoxy to succeed in this mission.

What Is the difference between an exorcism prayer and a liberation prayer?

Liberation prayer involves using Jesus' name to cast out an evil spirit. In this prayer, we do not address the devil directly. In contrast, during an exorcism prayer, the appointed exorcist, vested with the mandate of his bishop, who in turn has received his mandate from the pope, can directly address Satan. The exorcist acts with the support and authority of the entire Church, for which he is on a mission.

If you are not an appointed exorcist and you practice exorcism, you harm yourself. It is very dangerous to use exorcism prayers when you are not an exorcist, and several priests' testimonies attest to this. The Bible also provides an example in Acts 19, where people who saw Paul casting out spirits tried to imitate him. The evil spirit answered, “Jesus, I know, and Paul, I know, but who are you?” The possessed man then overpowered and beat them, leaving them naked and wounded. One must be cautious, as the devil does not spare those who fight him.