A Vatican-recognized university is offering a course in exorcism and demonic possession for a second year, concerned about the devil's lure. The opening class of the "Exorcism and Prayer of Liberation" on Thursday at the Pontifical Academy Regina Apostolorum featured lectures about liturgical and spiritual aspects of Satanism and problems related to exorcism. "The aim of this course is to express a clear vision of the phenomenon," said Italian Bishop Andrea Gemma, a leading exorcist who delivered the opening lecture. "Devil's action is much more common than people may think," Gemma said, adding that he performs at least four exorcisms a week. "Exorcism ... is an important prayer of the church to help those who believe to be, or who really are suffering from a diabolic infestation. ‘ Lectures, which will be broadcast via video to other pontifical institutes, focus on subjects that range from theological and historical aspects of Satanism to legal and medical issues. In 2005, Pope John Paul II wrote a letter requiring every US bishop to designate an exorcist. Regular training conferences are held in Rome.
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