In Milan, Italy, residents who believe they are dealing with possession now have a new resource. The Diocese has launched an Exorcist Hotline enabling a priest to visit homes for an exorcism when deemed appropriate and after careful discernment. The aim is to provide timely spiritual support and ensure safety and care for individuals and families.
Reports suggest rising interest in exorcisms, prompting the Milan Catholic diocese to establish the hotline. To manage the surge, the number of priests trained to perform exorcisms was expanded from six to twelve. The diocese stresses that the work is done in coordination with medical professionals and parish communities to respect both faith and health concerns.
A dedicated switchboard directs calls during a window from 2:30 pm to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Some priests are said to see many clients each day, with figures reaching into the triple digits in peak periods.
Experts note that not every call signals true possession. A substantial share arises from behavioral or mental health concerns, while others come from parents seeking guidance over challenging behavior in children or teens, or from individuals seeking reassurance and spiritual counsel. The diocese emphasizes careful discernment in each case, with priests offering prayers and blessings while referring to medical or psychological support when appropriate.
Photo credit Joe Ie