Interactive Map.
Click on the map to view photos and facts about the places, scenes, and points of interest featured in "The Rite."
What compelled you to write this book?
The idea began when I heard about a university-level course at a Vatican-affiliated school that purported to train potential exorcists. As a freelance journalist living in Rome I thought it might just be a PR stunt. The only thing I knew about exorcism was from what I'd seen in Hollywood films like The Exorcist and I wondered how the Catholic Church could still believe in it. Attending the course, however, I realized that the reality of exorcism is much different from what I'd imagined.
What's the biggest misconception about exorcism?
There are many, but perhaps the main one is that exorcism is a one shot deal. As the book illustrates, in the Catholic Church, exorcism is more akin to a process. Put simply, the prayers of the Ritual weaken the power that the demon has over the individual, which then allows them to return to prayer and God.
Is exorcism still practiced today?
Yes. No matter where you live in the world there is a good chance that an exorcism is being performed somewhere in your town. Every organized religion believes in some form of exorcism, as do many indigenous religions. In America, there is said to be around 14 officially appointed exorcists, all of whom are performing the Ritual.
I don't believe in any particular organized religion so why should I buy this book?
The purpose of this book is not to promote any one faith over another, but to offer a detailed account of one priest's journey from a rational skeptic to a practicing exorcist. I didn't set out to write with any preconceived bias and as such the book is written in a straightforward journalistic style, which means that I give respect to the beliefs and testimonies on all sides, including medical science.
Did this book change your own views on exorcism?
The research took me to places I never thought I'd go, including participating in exorcisms. While I don't know if I reached the level of certainty that Father Gary attained, in a few rare cases, there clearly appears to be at least something going on. As one psychiatrist told me, "Even if you don't believe in the devil, how do you explain the paranormal?"
