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CNN, 1999-10-26
The Vatican reveals that the devil understands Latin, thus facilitating exorcisms!
VATICAN CITY (CNN) -- Blaming Satan for many of today's ills, the Vatican on Tuesday unveiled updated exorcism rules, along
with a caution not to mistake psychiatric problems for diabolic possession. The Vatican's first updated ritual for exorcism
since 1614 tries to bring the church up to date with modern science and, for the first time, urges church-approved exorcists
to consult modern medicine where needed. However, officials made clear at a news conference that the traditional belief in
the devil was not optional for today's Roman Catholics.
"The existence of the devil isn't an opinion, something to take or leave as you wish," said Cardinal Jorge Medina
Estevez, a Vatican official, adding that belief in Satan is a tenet of Catholic faith. The devil "deceives men, making
them believe that you find happiness in money, in power, in carnal desire," Medina said in presenting the revised rules.
"He fools men by persuading them that they do not need God and that they are self-sufficient."
Rules urge consultations with physicians
Except for some new formulas for priests, authorized by bishops, to read during exorcisms, the text is essentially unchanged.
Instead the novelty appears largely in the cautions for determining if exorcism is warranted.
...
Actual formula largely unchanged
Then, the actual formula of exorcism begins. The first is the "imploring formula," in which the evils of the devil
are listed and God is entreated to free the possessed. The second, more intense formula, is the "imperative formula"
in which the devil is ordered to leave the possessed. The imperative formula begins: "I order you, Satan ..." It
then goes on to denounce Satan as "prince of the world" and "enemy of human salvation." It ends:
"Therefore, Go Back, Satan."
The new text, an 84-page Latin-language book known as the Roman Ritual, is not yet available in other languages, but Cardinal
Estevez said that was not a problem. "The new manual comes into effect today in its Latin version," he said.
"An exorcist can use the Latin version tonight if he wants because the devil understands Latin."
...
Pope John Paul II has made it clear several times in his 20- year papacy that he believes in the existence of the devil.
During a trip to Germany in 1987, the pope said the horrors of World War II, including the Nazi death camps, were proof
that the devil was still at work. The pope himself once performed an exorcism during his papacy, according to the memoirs
of Cardinal Jacques Martin, the former prefect of the pontifical household.
Webmaster's comment:
They call this bringing the "church up to date with science"!
The Vatican is still lost in the Middle Ages. As for the Nazi death camps, they had nothing to do with the supernatural,
but much to do with the bimillennial Christian tradition of anti-semitism.
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