Some Italian media outlets are insisting an exorcism happened on Sunday, after Mass in St. Peter's Square of the Vatican City.
Pope Francis was seen placing his hands on the head of a young man in a wheelchair, praying silently. The young man heaved, his body convulsing, then slumped over in his chair.
According to USA Today, Reverend Giulio Maspero, an Italian systematic theologian, said that he has seen over a dozen exorcisms, and that this was either a total exorcism, or else it was a prayer to "liberate" the young man, who was allegedly possessed by demons.
He said that the Pope's hand placement was the "typical position" used in an exorcism.
"When you witness something like that-for me it was shocking-I could feel the power of prayer," the Reverend said.
The Italian bishops conference's TV channel said that there was "no doubt" that the Pope either performed an exorcism or prayed to release the devil from within the young man.
The Vatican, on the other hand, trod more lightly. They released a statement Tuesday saying that Francis, "didn't intend to perform any exorcism. But as he often does for the sick or suffering, he simply intended to pray for someone who was suffering who was presented to him."
Vatican spokesperson Reverend Federico Lombardi tried to staunch the flow of media speculation that what went down was a full-blown exorcism. He did not dash the notion completely, but made a point to specify that the objective of the person praying is always important.
Pope Francis often incorporates the subject of Satan into his Sunday Mass, reflected by his Jesuit spirituality and belief in Catholicism.
On May 4, he delivered a homily that specified a need for communication, but absolutely none with Satan.
"With the prince of this world you can't have dialogue: let this be clear!" He warned.
Watch the video below and put in your two cents- is this a full-fledged exorcism?
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