Satanism Growing Wildly in Rome

In this predominantly Catholic nation the devil is gaining a foothold. "There is a greater openness towards the devil," Rev. Gabriele Amorth, the Vatican's chief exorcist, said. In fact, Rome has been called the most 'satanized' city in Italy. "Satanism and the occult are in fashion," said Father Pedro Barrajón, a professor of theology. There are an estimated 800 satanic cults operating in the country, with more than 600,000 followers. And their numbers are growing. "The devil's diabolical influence is growing in so many areas of our society. He needs to be driven out!" Pastor Silvano Lilli of International Evangelical Church said. Leading the battle to drive the devil out of Italy is 82-year-old Amorth. Amorth, as the Vatican's Chief Exorcist, is the driving force behind the Catholic Church's renewed campaign against the devil. Amorth says "exorcism is God's true miracle" to confronting the devil and his handmaidens. The devil's growing influence has even gotten the attention of the Vatican. Last year it started offering courses to its bishops on exorcisms. "Our bishops need to know how to confront the devil," Barrajón said. "They need to know how an exorcism is conducted and how to help set people free from the influence of the devil." Italians got a taste of the devil's influence a couple of years ago when two teenagers were stabbed, bludgeoned and buried alive here in the woods northwest Milan. Members of a heavy metal band named the Beasts of Satan were convicted in the double murder. One of the victims was allegedly killed because she resembled the Virgin Mary. Many Italians are forsaking priests for magicians, fortune-tellers and faith healers. "The actions of the devil are not just limited to here in Italy- his evil spirit is roaming the earth, tempting people. We are trying to educate the society and families about the dangers of his influence."