Was Pope Francis Photographed Performing a Public Exorcism?

Was Pope Francis photographed giving a man an impromptu exorcism last Sunday? The Rev. Juan Rivas says, ‘yes’, but on a slight technicality.

An unnamed 43-year old Mexican man traveled to Rome to attend mass with Pope Francis at St. Peters Square this week. The unidentified man had reportedly undergone a lengthy exorcism ritual by Rev. Gabriele Amorth, currently the leading exorcist in Rome, and was reported to be possessed by no less than four demons.

After blessing many faithful wheelchair bound attendees, Francis then was photographed and filmed giving laying his palms on the possessed man and reciting a few short prayers. That seemed to be enough, declared Rev. Amorth, to rid the man of his demonic oppression completely.

“That was a true exorcism. Exorcisms aren’t just done according to the rules of the ritual,” he said during a local radio interview.

Though some are saying they witnessed a public exorcism, the Vatican however is disagreeing.

“(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,” the Vatican reported in a statement released this Tuesday.

That hasn’t stopped many from believing that what they witnessed on Sunday was a bona fide exorcism preformed publicly by the Pope.. even if it was only a little one.

What do you think? Did the Pope cast demons from the afflicted? Or was this guy just really excited to meet the Pope? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, on twitter @WhoForted, or in the comments below!

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