ABSTRACT

The care of the ministry of exorcism is an integral part of the pastoral care entrusted to the diocesan bishop with respect to a specific community of the faithful. This responsibility finds its origins in the New Testament and is part of the mission entrusted by Christ to the Apostles, and then to their successor bishops. A biblical excursus is presented and through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, then the ecclesiological link existing between the Bishops and their collaborating presbyters is described, beginning with the promises made at priestly ordination. Subsequently, the duties of the Bishop relating to the promotion and protection of the ministry of exorcists are set out, taking into account, on the one hand, discernment in cases that effectively require the ministry of the exorcist, and on the other, the base criteria to identify the priests suitable to receive the permission mentioned in can. 1172 CIC, which is necessary to exercise this ministry.