Archbishop removes D.C. priest as exorcist for saying UFOs are demons
The Washington Post
Overall Assessment
The Washington Post accurately reports the removal of Monsignor Rossetti as exorcist due to controversial statements about UFOs being demons, citing both archdiocesan authority and Rossetti’s own words. It provides relevant context on charismatic Catholicism and public beliefs but omits some details confirmed by other outlets, such as the timing and platform of Rossetti’s original comments. The tone is neutral and the sourcing is strong, though additional theological context could have improved balance.
"The archbishop of Washington, D.C., on Wednesday removed a longtime archdiocesan exorcist"
Loaded Verbs
Headline & Lead 90/100
The article reports on the removal of Monsignor Stephen Rossetti as archdiocesan exorcist after he claimed UFO sightings are likely demonic manifestations, a statement deemed incompatible with official Church teaching by Cardinal Robert McElroy. It provides background on Rossetti’s role, the archdiocese’s action, and broader context on charismatic Catholicism and public beliefs about the paranormal. The reporting is factual, well-sourced, and avoids editorializing, though it omits some details confirmed by other outlets.
✕ Headline / Body Mismatch: The headline clearly states the key event (removal of a priest as exorcist) and the reason (claiming UFOs are demons), accurately reflecting the article’s core. It avoids exaggeration or inflammatory language.
"Archbishop removes D.C. priest as exorcist for saying UFOs are demons"
Language & Tone 95/100
The article reports on the removal of Monsignor Stephen Rossetti as archdiocesan exorcist after he claimed UFO sightings are likely demonic manifestations, a statement deemed incompatible with official Church teaching by Cardinal Robert McElroy. It provides background on Rossetti’s role, the archdiocese’s action, and broader context on charismatic Catholicism and public beliefs about the paranormal. The reporting is factual, well-sourced, and avoids editorializing, though it omits some details confirmed by other outlets.
✕ Loaded Language: The article uses neutral, descriptive language throughout, avoiding mockery or sensationalism when discussing UFOs and demons. It reports claims without endorsing or ridiculing them.
"Rossetti said on the show. 'Demons like to hide,'"
✕ Loaded Verbs: The verb 'removed' is used factually rather than emotionally charged alternatives like 'fired' or 'banned', maintaining professional tone.
"The archbishop of Washington, D.C., on Wednesday removed a longtime archdiocesan exorcist"
✕ Loaded Labels: The article avoids moralizing language in describing Rossetti’s views, presenting them as beliefs rather than delusions or heresies.
"There’s no question in my mind, personally … that probably many if not most of these UFO sightings are demons."
Balance 80/100
The article reports on the removal of Monsignor Stephen Rossetti as archdiocesan exorcist after he claimed UFO sightings are likely demonic manifestations, a statement deemed incompatible with official Church teaching by Cardinal Robert McElroy. It provides background on Rossetti’s role, the archdiocese’s action, and broader context on charismatic Catholicism and public beliefs about the paranormal. The reporting is factual, well-sourced, and avoids editorializing, though it omits some details confirmed by other outlets.
✓ Proper Attribution: The article attributes the central decision to Cardinal McElroy with a direct quote and cites official church doctrine, giving authoritative weight to the archdiocese’s position.
"McElroy cited statements Rossetti made about UFOs. Such statements, the cardinal said, 'gravely undermine the Church’s very precise teaching on the devil, demons and exorcism.'"
✓ Proper Attribution: Rossetti’s views are presented through direct quotation from a YouTube appearance, allowing him to speak in his own words, though the article does not include a direct response to the removal beyond a posted statement.
"There’s no question in my mind, personally … that probably many if not most of these UFO sightings are demons. And they can do things we can’t do, thus the speed."
✓ Viewpoint Diversity: The article includes a quote from Vice President JD Vance expressing a similar personal belief, which provides political and cultural context but risks implying broader legitimacy for the view without critical framing.
"I think they’re demons anyway, but that’s a longer discussion,” Vance said."
✕ Source Asymmetry: The article does not include any theological experts or Church officials beyond McElroy to explain or contextualize the doctrinal conflict, creating a slight imbalance in authoritative interpretation.
Story Angle 85/100
The article reports on the removal of Monsignor Stephen Rossetti as archdiocesan exorcist after he claimed UFO sightings are likely demonic manifestations, a statement deemed incompatible with official Church teaching by Cardinal Robert McElroy. It provides background on Rossetti’s role, the archdiocese’s action, and broader context on charismatic Catholicism and public beliefs about the paranormal. The reporting is factual, well-sourced, and avoids editorializing, though it omits some details confirmed by other outlets.
✕ Framing by Emphasis: The article frames the story around doctrinal authority and institutional response rather than personal eccentricity or spectacle, treating it as a legitimate internal Church matter.
"McElroy cited statements Rossetti made about UFOs. Such statements, the cardinal said, 'gravely undermine the Church’s very precise teaching on the devil, demons and exorcism.'"
✕ Episodic Framing: The piece avoids reducing the event to a 'strange priest' narrative and instead situates it within broader religious trends, such as the growth of charismatic Catholicism.
"Charismatic Christianity — characterized by practices like speaking in tongues, divine healing, prophecy and the idea that the world is a real spiritual battlefield between God and evil — also has grown and become more prominent in the United States in recent years."
Completeness 75/100
The article reports on the removal of Monsignor Stephen Rossetti as archdiocesan exorcist after he claimed UFO sightings are likely demonic manifestations, a statement deemed incompatible with official Church teaching by Cardinal Robert McElroy. It provides background on Rossetti’s role, the archdiocese’s action, and broader context on charismatic Catholicism and public beliefs about the paranormal. The reporting is factual, well-sourced, and avoids editorializing, though it omits some details confirmed by other outlets.
✕ Missing Historical Context: The article mentions Rossetti’s past leadership at St. Luke Institute and his work with clergy accused of abuse, which is relevant context but not directly tied to the current disciplinary action. This adds background but risks implying moral disqualification beyond the stated doctrinal issue.
"From 1993 to 2009, he treated clergy with mental health issues — including priests accused of sexually abusing adults and children — as head of the now-defunct St. Luke Institute in Silver Spring."
✓ Contextualisation: The article includes broader societal context — public skepticism about the paranormal, government interest in UFOs, and the rise of charismatic Christianity — helping readers situate the incident within larger trends.
"Charismatic Christianity — characterized by practices like speaking in tongues, divine healing, prophecy and the idea that the world is a real spiritual battlefield between God and evil — also has grown and become more prominent in the United States in recent years."
Church portrayed as having legitimate authority to enforce doctrinal boundaries
The article highlights the institutional response (removal from role, severing ties) as a justified enforcement of doctrinal precision, reinforcing the Church’s legitimacy in policing theological orthodoxy.
"Cardinal Robert McElroy, the archbishop of Washington, said that Rossetti was being removed as exorcist and that the archdiocese was severing its connection with the St. Michael Center."
Religion portrayed as institutionally credible and doctrinally authoritative
The article emphasizes the archdiocese's official stance and use of precise teaching (Magisterium) to justify disciplinary action, framing religious authority as legitimate and internally consistent.
"McElroy cited statements Rossetti made about UFOs. Such statements, the cardinal said, 'gravely undermine the Church’s very precise teaching on the devil, demons and exorcism.'"
JD Vance framed as aligning with controversial religious views
Including Vance’s similar belief without critical commentary risks associating a political figure with fringe views, subtly positioning him as adversarial to mainstream rational discourse.
"Vice President JD Vance, a practicing Catholic, told “The Benny Show” podcast in April that he did not believe UFOs were aliens. 'I think they’re demons anyway, but that’s a longer discussion,' Vance said."
Charismatic Christianity included within broader religious discourse
The article contextualizes Rossetti’s views within the growing prominence of charismatic Christianity, normalizing it as part of the American religious landscape rather than marginalizing it as fringe.
"Charismatic Christianity — characterized by practices like speaking in tongues, divine healing, prophecy and the idea that the world is a real spiritual battlefield between God and evil — also has grown and become more prominent in the United States in recent years."
Public beliefs portrayed as unstable amid tension between secularism and spiritualism
The article contrasts widespread skepticism about the paranormal with growing interest in exorcism and charismatic practices, suggesting a cultural tension or undercurrent of spiritual crisis.
"Most Americans are skeptical about the paranormal. A Gallup poll last year found that majorities don’t believe in witches, reincarnation or astrology. At the same time, UFOs continue to draw attention from many Americans, and from some government leaders and agencies."
The Washington Post accurately reports the removal of Monsignor Rossetti as exorcist due to controversial statements about UFOs being demons, citing both archdiocesan authority and Rossetti’s own words. It provides relevant context on charismatic Catholicism and public beliefs but omits some details confirmed by other outlets, such as the timing and platform of Rossetti’s original comments. The tone is neutral and the sourcing is strong, though additional theological context could have improved
This article is part of an event covered by 2 sources.
View all coverage: "Archdiocese removes priest as exorcist following public statements linking UFOs to demonic activity"The Archdiocese of Washington has removed Monsignor Stephen Rossetti as its official exorcist and severed ties with his spiritual center after he publicly stated that many UFO sightings are likely demonic manifestations. Cardinal Robert McElroy cited doctrinal concerns, while Rossetti expressed sadness and affirmed his obedience to Church teaching. The incident reflects tensions within Catholicism over paranormal beliefs and charismatic practices.
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