Catholic Church in Brazil utilizes medical screening for authorized exorcisms

The Catholic Church in Brazil maintains specific protocols for the practice of exorcism, requiring strict authorization from the Vatican and collaboration with medical professionals. In the Archdiocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro, there are currently 17 priests authorized to perform these rites. These clergy members work across various vicariates to assist individuals who attribute issues such as depression, grief, addiction, and family conflicts to spiritual phenomena.

To ensure psychological and psychiatric health is not overlooked, the Church mandates that all cases undergo evaluation by mental health professionals. The ritual of exorcism is only permitted after medical and religious authorities certify that the situation requires exclusively spiritual intervention.

In the Serra Gaúcha region, the Diocese of Caxias do Sul has also seen the appointment of exorcists, such as Father Daniel D’Agnoluzzo Zatti. These practitioners utilize traditional liturgical elements, including holy water, blessed salt, crosses, and specific vestments, to conduct ceremonies following established official rituals.