Washington archdiocese removes exorcist after UFOs-demons claim
Washington's archdiocese cut ties with its exorcist after he said many UFO sightings were demons, a rebuke that put doctrine and viral clergy influence on display.
The Archdiocese of Washington removed Monsignor Stephen Rossetti as its exorcist on June 3 after he publicly suggested that many UFO sightings were demonic in origin, a move that turned a niche ministry into a test of how far the Catholic Church will tolerate unsanctioned spiritual commentary in the social media age.
Cardinal Robert McElroy said Rossetti’s statements, along with the Saint Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal’s recent use of social media, gravely undermined the church’s teaching on the devil, demons and exorcism. The archdiocese also ended all affiliation with the center, which had operated in Washington and had become part of Rossetti’s public identity as a priest who drew attention well beyond church circles.
The dispute carried unusual weight because the Archdiocese of Washington serves more than 655,000 Catholics across 140 parishes and 90 Catholic schools in Washington, D.C., and five Maryland counties. Its statement said Rossetti is a priest of the Diocese of Syracuse, N.Y., underscoring that the decision was not just about one Washington ministry but about who speaks with authority in a church that closely guards doctrine.
Rossetti’s comments came in a May 29 video that spread quickly online. In it, he said many, if not most, UFO sightings were in fact demons. He also said people can be good Catholics and still believe in life on other planets, though he did not personally believe life exists elsewhere. He added that demons can hide and manipulate things in the world to influence people to do evil.
Rossetti responded the same day the archdiocese acted, saying he was saddened by the decision, asking forgiveness for any lack of fidelity to the church’s Magisterium, and saying he would continue to seek obedience to the church. He also said the Saint Michael Center planned to continue its ministry elsewhere.
The episode reflects a broader institutional problem for the Catholic hierarchy: clergy with specialized ministries can build large digital followings, then quickly create public liability when their personal speculation blurs into teaching. AP reporting said Rossetti had more than 148,000 followers on Instagram, a reach that helps explain why a single video about UFOs and demons could force a fast and public response from one of the country’s most prominent archdioceses.
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