When Pope Leo XIV opened the doors of the Vatican for an exorcist summit this month, the world’s attention turned to the ancient practice of casting out evil spirits. In the midst of this gathering, renowned exorcist Father Dan Reehil stepped onto the stage of TMZ Live to share his unsettling observations about the devil’s growing influence on society.
The Vatican’s Exorcist Summit: A Modern-Day Gathering of Spiritual Warriors
For the first time in decades, the Vatican hosted a conference dedicated entirely to the art of exorcism. Pope Leo XIV, known for his progressive outreach, welcomed priests, theologians, and lay experts to discuss the challenges of demonic possession in the 21st century. The summit aimed to bridge ancient rituals with contemporary concerns, such as the rise of online cults and the psychological toll of global crises.
Father Dan Reehil, a veteran exorcist with over 30 years of experience, was one of the keynote speakers. His reputation for confronting the most severe cases of possession made him a focal point for attendees eager to learn how to recognize and counteract the devil’s subtle manipulations.
Father Reehil on the Surge of Demonic Activity During COVID-19
During the pandemic, Father Reehil observed a dramatic increase in reported possession cases. According to him, the numbers “tripled” compared to pre‑pandemic levels. He attributes this surge to a combination of social isolation, the closure of churches, and the widespread sense of helplessness that swept across the globe.
Reehil explained that when churches shut their doors, people lost a vital source of community and spiritual guidance. “With no regular worship or fellowship, many turned to the internet for answers—often finding themselves in dark corners of the web that feed on fear and despair,” he said. The result was a fertile environment for demonic influence to take root.
He highlighted several key factors that contributed to the spike:
- Social isolation: People were confined to their homes, lacking the support of a faith community.
- Increased screen time: More hours spent online exposed individuals to extremist content.
- Psychological stress: Anxiety, depression, and uncertainty made people more susceptible to manipulation.
- Loss of routine: Disrupted daily habits removed the structure that often keeps spiritual well‑being in check.
- Rise of online cults: Virtual spaces allowed fringe groups to recruit and indoctrinate vulnerable individuals.
Reehil’s insights underscore the importance of maintaining spiritual practices and community connections, especially during times of crisis.
The Devil as the Original Influencer
When asked to describe the devil’s role in modern society, Father Reehil offered a striking comparison: “He is the original influencer.” He explained that the devil’s primary tactic is to manipulate people into committing harmful acts, much like a social media algorithm pushes content that keeps users engaged.
Reehil emphasized that the devil’s influence is not limited to overt possession. Instead, it permeates everyday choices, encouraging individuals to act against their moral compass. “He whispers in the back of your mind, nudges you toward selfishness, and amplifies the negative emotions you already feel,” he said.
He cited several real‑world examples of
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