{
  "id": 12391624,
  "title": "Colombia’s Catholic Church Strengthens Exorcism Training and Safeguards",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/colombias-catholic-church-strengthens-exorcism-training-and-safeguards",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-06T13:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Colombia One",
    "slug": "colombia-one",
    "url": "https://colombiaone.com/2026/10/06/colombia-catholic-church-exorcism-training/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Catholic Church in Colombia has recently intensified its exorcism training and regulations, placing emphasis on discernment, care, and professional assistance. This development arose from the third national exorcism training course, hosted in Bogota and themed \"Liberar y Cuidar\" (Free and Care). Approximately 80 priests and delegates from various ecclesiastical jurisdictions across Colombia attended the event.\n\nFather Carlos Guillermo Arias Jimenez, who oversees the Doctrine Department of Colombia's Episcopal Conference, clarified that the Church does not immediately attribute unusual actions or experiences to demonic possession or evil influence. Instead, priests must adhere to a comprehensive evaluation process and may consult medical professionals when symptoms may have a medical or psychological basis.\n\nThe Church views exorcism as an extraordinary measure rather than a routine response, necessitating authorization from a diocesan bishop and a rigorous assessment prior to the rite. This approach starkly contrasts with the sensationalized depictions often found in movies, instead prioritizing discernment, responsibility, and care.\n\nFor an exorcism to occur, the central requirement is discernment, a meticulous evaluation of the situation to ascertain moral certainty of a possible malevolent influence. This process aims to differentiate cases that could be identified as possession from those with alternative causes. The Church also incorporates psychology and psychiatry into this process, allowing individuals seeking help to be referred to specialists when their symptoms suggest a psychological or psychiatric condition.\n\nFather Arias emphasized that the decisive criterion is the discernment process rather than the dramatic behavior commonly portrayed in films. Consequently, the Church treats exorcism as a rare and final stage of a longer process. Some authorized priests may go years without performing an exorcism.\n\nEligibility for exorcism is restricted to priests authorized by the diocesan bishop, adhering to the Church's canonical law (its internal legal code). Candidates must meet strict criteria, including religiosity, intellectual proficiency, prudence, and good character. Furthermore, they must possess a life of prayer, theological education, and sound judgment.\n\nThe training course aims to strengthen the ministry and separate it from superstition and illusion. The latest edition, held in 2026, concentrated on protocols, abuse prevention, and a culture of care for vulnerable individuals. It also delved into methods to prevent hasty spiritual explanations for issues that may involve psychological, medical, or societal factors. The Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued guidelines in 2020, and the current training endeavors to ensure that priests base their actions on thorough evaluation rather than mere suspicion.",
  "summary": "Colombia’s Catholic Church has tightened its guidelines for exorcisms and strengthened the training of priests who perform them, emphasizing careful discernment, professional support and the protection of human dignity. The approach was highlighted during the third national training course for exorcists, held in Bogota under the motto “Liberar y Cuidar” (Free and Care), which brought […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}