The 20th edition of the Course on Exorcism and Deliverance Prayer opened today in Rome at the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum. Organized by the Sacerdos Institute together with the GRIS – Socio-Religious Research and Information Group, the program will run until May 15 and has become one of the world’s leading events dedicated to spiritual discernment and the ministry of exorcism.

Over the past two decades, the course has trained thousands of participants from more than 40 countries, including priests, religious figures, psychologists, doctors, educators and social workers. The initiative combines theology, psychology, medicine, sociology and canon law in an interdisciplinary approach aimed at understanding spiritual suffering with both faith and scientific rigor.

Organizers stress that the Catholic Church considers exorcism a sacramental prayer performed only by priests specifically authorized by a bishop. Discussions during the course also focus on distinguishing genuine spiritual cases from psychological distress.

Ahead of this year’s edition, a series of podcasts explored the relationship between exorcism and mental health. In one interview, theologian and psychotherapist Porzia Quagliarella stated that only a very small percentage of alleged demonic possession cases are considered authentic, while most are linked to psychological or emotional conditions.

The program also promotes ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, involving Christian denominations as well as representatives from Judaism and Islam who practice forms of spiritual liberation ministry.