BREAKING: Cardinal McElroy removes exorcist for saying demons disguise themselves as aliens

Delvianna · Thursday at 10:49 AM

McElroy, who is known for his heterodoxy on homosexuality and other issues, claimed that Monsignor Stephen Rossetti’s comments about demons and aliens ‘gravely undermine’ Catholic teaching.

Cardinal Robert McElroy removed Monsignor Stephen Rossetti as an exorcist of the Archdiocese of Washington after the renowned priest said that he believes demons can disguise themselves as aliens or UFOs.

A press release from the archdiocese adds that McElroy, who is well-known for his heterodoxy on homosexuality and other issues, has “ended all affiliation” between the archdiocese and Rossetti’s Saint Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal (SMC) in Washington, D.C.

“Cardinal McElroy said that statements made by Monsignor Rossetti linking UFOs to demonic presence and the Center’s recent use of social media gravely undermine the Church’s very precise teaching on the devil, demons and exorcism,” according to the press release.

BREAKING: Cardinal McElroy removes exorcist for saying demons disguise themselves as aliens - LifeSite

McElroy, who is known for his heterodoxy on homosexuality and other issues, claimed that Monsignor Stephen Rossetti’s comments about demons and aliens ‘gravely undermine’ Catholic teaching.

www.lifesitenews.com

RileyG · Thursday at 10:58 AM

Not surprising considering other Archbishops McElroy knew...

Matt5 · Thursday at 3:11 PM

I asked Grok AI about this. Below is part of its response:

Grok / X: https://x.com/i/grok?conversation=2062626421496054080

Why McElroy Likely Sees This as “Undermining”

Critics and commentators infer the following reasons (these are not direct quotes from McElroy but logical inferences from the phrasing “very precise teaching”):

Speculation presented publicly in an official capacity — Rossetti framed it as his “personal belief” as an exorcist responding to UFO news, which could blur the line between private opinion and Church-authorized teaching. This risks confusing the faithful or turning exorcism into a pop-culture topic.
Potential sensationalism or overreach — Tying demons to modern UFO phenomena (impossible maneuvers, sightings, etc.) might be viewed as adding unverified details to demonology that go beyond what Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium have defined. Official teaching emphasizes caution, discernment, and avoiding fear-mongering or conspiracy-like narratives.
Risk of misleading people — By suggesting demons “disguise” themselves as aliens to hide and manipulate, it could shift focus from personal sin, temptation, and the ordinary spiritual life to extraordinary/end-times speculation. Some see this as incompatible with the “precise” pastoral and theological approach required for exorcists.
Social media amplification — The archdiocese explicitly mentioned the Center’s recent social media use, suggesting the public, viral nature of the comments (in the context of Trump-era UFO file releases) was a factor.

In short, the objection appears to center on method and prudence rather than denying the existence or activity of demons. Rossetti’s core points (demons are real, deceptive, and can manifest) align with Church teaching — the controversy is over applying them specifically and publicly to UFOs.

This remains an internal disciplinary decision by McElroy. Other bishops and exorcists have expressed varying views on similar phenomena without similar repercussions, highlighting differences in episcopal judgment. Rossetti has since apologized for any deviation from the Magisterium while not retracting the substance of his concern.

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BREAKING: Cardinal McElroy removes exorcist for saying demons disguise themselves as aliens

Delvianna

Well-Known Member