Cardinal Robert McElroy has dismissed Monsignor Stephen Rossetti as exorcist of the Archdiocese of Washington after the latter publicly stated that many UFO sightings could be linked to demonic activity. The decision, announced on June 3 by the archdiocese itself, ends nearly two decades of Rossetti’s ministry in the U.S. capital.
According to an official statement issued by the Archdiocese of Washington, McElroy has also severed all institutional ties with the St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal, the organization led by Rossetti and dedicated to spiritual formation and accompaniment in matters related to deliverance and exorcism.
UFO statements trigger dismissal
The controversy arose from a video—now removed—posted by Rossetti on YouTube on May 29. In it, the priest expressed his personal view that “many, if not most,” UFO sightings are in fact demonic manifestations.
Rossetti argued that demons possess abilities beyond ordinary human capacities and suggested that some phenomena attributed to supposed extraterrestrial intelligences could be explained by preternatural activity.
The remarks prompted a swift response from the archdiocese. In its statement, McElroy said the comments “seriously undermine the Church’s very precise teaching on the devil, demons, and exorcism.”
An internationally known exorcist
The decision affects one of the most prominent figures in the ministry of exorcism in the United States. A priest of the Diocese of Syracuse (New York), Rossetti has for years engaged in extensive public outreach through conferences, publications, training courses, and social media.
His St. Michael Center had become a reference point for many faithful interested in spiritual warfare, deliverance, and the extraordinary activity of the devil.
That very public presence had helped spread his reflections on exorcism and demonology widely, though it had also drawn criticism for some of his interventions on supernatural phenomena and extraordinary experiences.
Rossetti apologizes and pledges obedience
After Cardinal McElroy’s decision became known, Rossetti issued a statement expressing sadness over the events and apologizing if his words had not been faithful to the Church’s magisterium.
“I apologize for any way in which I have not been faithful to the teachings of the Church’s magisterium, particularly in the video cited about aliens and the demonic,” he said.
The priest also affirmed that obedience to the Church is essential and stated his intention to continue submitting his work and that of the St. Michael Center to ecclesial teaching.
Rossetti likewise thanked the archdiocese of Washington for the nineteen years he served as its exorcist and announced that the St. Michael Center will continue its work from another location.