Gabriele Amorth | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : February 09, 2025

Who is Gabriele Amorth?

Father Gabriele Amorth was a prominent Italian priest born on May 1, 1925, in Modena, Italy, renowned for his extensive involvement in exorcisms. After serving in the Italian resistance during World War II, he pursued a legal career before fully embracing his calling to the priesthood in 1951. Amorth became the official exorcist for the Diocese of Rome in 1986 after being appointed as an apprentice to Vatican exorcist Rev. Candido Amantini. He held this title until his passing in 2016, claiming to have conducted tens of thousands of exorcisms throughout his lifetime, with estimates ranging from 160,000 while acknowledging that fewer than a hundred cases were genuine possessions.

Throughout his career, Amorth became a vocal advocate for the practice of exorcism, co-founding the International Association of Exorcists in 1990 to train and inspire fellow priests. Despite his serious vocation, he maintained a sense of humor and skepticism, often differentiating between mental health issues and true demonic possession. His remarkable accounts include instances of patients displaying superhuman strength and other dramatic symptoms during exorcisms. Amorth's influence extended beyond the church, as he authored several books, including "An Exorcist Tells His Story," and was featured in documentaries, solidifying his legacy as one of the most famous exorcists in modern history.

Early Life and Education

Gabriele Amorth was born on May 1, 1925, in Modena, Italy, into a devout Catholic family. His early life was marked by the typical upbringing of a religious household, though Amorth recalled occasionally dozing off under the pews during mass. The influence of a pious environment was significant, yet he also exhibited an early interest in law, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both of whom were practicing lawyers. This inclination would lead him to initially pursue a career in law after he served in the Italian resistance during World War II.

In 1947, Amorth made a pivotal decision to enter the Congregation of the Society of St. Paul, where he would eventually find his true calling. He was ordained as a priest on January 24, 1951, after nearly four years of theological education and spiritual training. During his early years in the priesthood, Amorth served in various roles, including a deputy position within the Young Christian Democrats, working closely with future Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti. His journey toward becoming a renowned exorcist would formally begin years later when he was appointed an apprentice to the then-Vatican exorcist in 1986.

Becoming the Pope’s Exorcist in 1986

Gabriele Amorth was appointed as the exorcist for the Diocese of Rome in 1986, a role that would define his legacy as “The Pope's Exorcist.” Prior to this significant appointment, Amorth had an interesting trajectory. Born on May 1, 1925, in Modena, Italy, he came from a devout Catholic family. After serving in the Italian resistance during World War II, Amorth studied law and briefly engaged in politics, working with a future Italian Prime Minister. Yet, his spirit drew him towards a life of religious service, leading to his ordination as a priest in January 1951 after joining the Congregation of the Society of St. Paul.

It wasn't until his apprenticeship under the Vatican exorcist Rev. Candido Amantini that Amorth began to immerse himself in the art of exorcism. Following Amantini's death in 1992, Amorth fully embraced the responsibilities of his role, performing a staggering number of exorcisms throughout his tenure. With the establishment of the International Association of Exorcists in 1990, Amorth sought to inspire and equip other priests in the practice. His unique blend of humor and skepticism, along with a genuine commitment to his faith, made him a notable and sometimes controversial figure in the realm of spiritual warfare.

Amorth’s Exorcism Accounts and Methods

Gabriele Amorth, often referred to as "The Pope's Exorcist," gained notoriety for his extensive experience in the practice of exorcism. Appointed as the official exorcist for the Diocese of Rome in 1986, Amorth claimed to have performed tens of thousands of exorcisms throughout his career, with estimates reaching as high as 160,000. Despite the high number of cases, he believed that genuinely possessed individuals were rare, stating that fewer than 100 of those exorcisms involved true demonic possession. The majority of his work involved assisting individuals suffering from various psychological issues, and he often emphasized the importance of referring patients to conventional medical care when necessary.

Amorth's approach to exorcism combined a deeply held belief in spiritual warfare with a dose of skepticism and humor. He articulated that exorcisms averaged around 30 minutes in duration and could be conducted in various settings, including over the phone or via video calls. His sessions often involved the participation of laypeople, who helped manage afflicted individuals, ensuring privacy from onlookers. Amorth described dramatic manifestations of possession, including instances of superhuman strength and the expulsion of strange physical items. These accounts not only captivated the public but also sparked a complex dialogue about the intersection of faith, mental health, and the paranormal.

Books and Documentary Contributions

Gabriele Amorth, a prominent figure in the world of exorcism, authored several notable books that detail his experiences and beliefs concerning demonic possession. Among his most recognized works is "An Exorcist Tells His Story," published in 1999, where he shares compelling accounts and insights from his extensive career. In this book, Amorth discusses the psychological and spiritual battles that exorcists face, alongside narratives that illustrate the nature of demonic affliction. His second book, "An Exorcist: More Stories," released in 2002, continues this exploration and provides readers with further accounts of exorcism, revealing his deep commitment to his spiritual vocation.

In addition to his literary contributions, Amorth also made his mark in cinema through the documentary "The Devil and Father Amorth," directed by William Friedkin. Released in 2017, this film features actual footage of Amorth performing an exorcism, offering a glimpse into his ritual practices and beliefs. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the documentary is significant as it captures Amorth in action, affirming his role as one of the most infamous exorcists of modern times. Through both his writings and media appearances, Gabriele Amorth leaves a lasting legacy that continues to spark interest in the phenomenon of exorcism and its representation in contemporary culture.

Personal Life: Married Life and Family

Father Gabriele Amorth was born into a devout Catholic family in Modena, Italy, on May 1, 1925. His upbringing reflected a strong commitment to faith, despite his playful admission of often falling asleep in church as a child. Amorth's personal life was largely centered around his vocation as a priest, and he dedicated himself to his calling without marrying or starting a family of his own. By entering the priesthood at the age of 26, he embraced a life devoted to serving the Church and the community, ultimately leading to his role as the Pope's exorcist.

Throughout his life, Amorth maintained a spiritual family within the religious community. His deep involvement with the Congregation of the Society of St. Paul and later as the founder of the International Association of Exorcists connected him with many like-minded individuals dedicated to the practice of exorcism and the support of those afflicted by darkness. Despite not having a biological family, Amorth’s legacy contributed to a larger spiritual family focused on the faith, breaking down barriers for the acceptance and understanding of exorcisms within various communities around the world.

Net Worth and Earnings: Priest's Salary Insights

Gabriele Amorth’s financial earnings, particularly as an exorcist, are not extensively documented, primarily due to the nature of his work within the church, which traditionally does not prioritize monetary compensation. However, it is known that Roman Catholic priests receive modest salaries, often supplemented by donations or parish budgets. The average annual salary for a priest in the United States can range from $35,000 to $60,000, depending on the diocese, location, and level of experience. Given Amorth's prestigious position within the Vatican as the Pope's exorcist, it’s likely that he earned a salary on the higher end of this spectrum, though exact figures remain speculative.

Moreover, Amorth authored several books, which contributed to his financial standing. His writings, including "An Exorcist Tells His Story" and "An Exorcist: More Stories," offered insights into his life and work, likely generating additional income through sales and royalties. The popularity of his books and his unique role as a leading figure in exorcism also attracted media attention, potentially allowing for speaking engagements and interviews, which can provide supplementary earnings for public figures in the clergy. While exact numbers are elusive, the combination of a modest salary and income from his writings suggests that Gabriele Amorth maintained a comfortable, if not extravagant, lifestyle throughout his life as a priest and exorcist.