Archdiocese removes priest as exorcist following public statements linking UFOs to demonic activity
Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archbishop of Washington, D.C., removed Monsignor Stephen Rossetti from his role as archdiocesan exorcist and severed ties with the St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal after Rossetti publicly suggested that UFO sightings might be manifestations of demonic activity. Rossetti, a priest, psychologist, and prominent spiritual figure, acknowledged the archdiocese’s decision and expressed sorrow, affirming his commitment to Church teaching. The archbishop stated that the comments 'gravely undermine' official Church doctrine on demons and exorcism. Rossetti clarified that while he personally does not believe in extraterrestrial life, he holds that many UFO sightings could be demonic in origin. The archdiocese did not provide further comment.
NBC News provides more direct sourcing of Rossetti’s statements (including a specific date and platform) and includes his clarification on Catholic beliefs about aliens, offering a more complete account of the theological context. The Washington Post includes background on Rossetti’s past institutional role that may influence reader perception but is not directly related to the current event. Neither source attributes claims improperly, but The Washington Post introduces potentially charged contextual information absent in NBC News.
- ✓ Monsignor Stephen Rossetti was removed as exorcist by Cardinal Robert McElroy, the Archbishop of Washington, D.C.
- ✓ The removal occurred after Rossetti made public comments suggesting that UFOs may be demons.
- ✓ Rossetti is associated with the St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal in Washington, D.C.
- ✓ The Archdiocese of Washington severed its connection with the St. Michael Center.
- ✓ Cardinal McElroy stated that Rossetti’s comments 'gravely undermine' the Church’s teachings on the devil, demons, and exorcism.
- ✓ Rossetti expressed sadness over the decision and issued a statement acknowledging possible missteps and affirming obedience to Church teaching.
Timing and context of Rossetti’s UFO comments
Provides a specific date—May 29—for a Facebook video in which Rossetti discussed UFOs and demons, and includes direct quotes from that video.
Reports that Rossetti made the comments during a YouTube appearance titled 'Faith, Hope and Love Ministry' on Monday, without specifying the date.
Rossetti’s personal beliefs about extraterrestrial life
Notes that Rossetti said people can be good Catholics and believe in extraterrestrial life, though he personally does not believe in it.
Does not mention Rossetti’s views on whether aliens exist.
Rossetti’s public following and social media presence
Specifies that Rossetti has over 148,000 Instagram followers, emphasizing his public profile.
Mentions Rossetti has a social media presence but does does not quantify it.
Focus on Rossetti’s past role at St. Luke Institute
Omits any mention of St. Luke Institute or abuse-related work entirely.
Highlights Rossetti’s leadership at the St. Luke Institute and his work with clergy accused of abuse, potentially framing him within a controversial institutional context.
Nature of the St. Michael Center’s activities
Describes the center as offering 'spiritual healing for priests troubled by various difficulties,' focusing on pastoral care rather than theological emphasis.
Describes the center as catering to 'charismatic Catholics' and framing moral struggle as a 'spiritual war,' adding interpretive context about its theological orientation.
The Washington Post
Framing: The Washington Post frames the event as a disciplinary action against a figure with controversial institutional ties and theological leanings, emphasizing potential deviation from mainstream Church norms.
Tone: cautious and slightly critical, with emphasis on institutional authority and potential deviation
Framing by Emphasis: The Washington Post introduces Rossetti’s role at St. Luke Institute and notes he treated priests accused of abuse, which may trigger associations with scandal despite no direct wrongdoing attributed to him.
"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."
Framing by Emphasis: Describes the St. Michael Center as appealing to 'charismatic Catholics' who see moral struggle as a 'spiritual war,' which may subtly frame the group as fringe or emotionally charged.
"which offers prayers and social media posts geared toward more charismatic Catholics who frame struggle and wrongdoing as a spiritual war between evil and good."
Vague Attribution: Notes the removal of archdiocesan website material linking to the center without explaining whether this was routine or punitive.
"The material, which referred Catholics to the center, appeared to have been removed Wednesday evening."
NBC News
Framing: NBC News frames the event as a doctrinal correction involving a public figure whose personal views exceeded official teaching, with emphasis on Rossetti’s response and ongoing commitment to the Church.
Tone: neutral and informative, with focus on statements and institutional response
Proper Attribution: Cites a specific date (May 29) and platform (Facebook) for Rossetti’s comments, providing clearer sourcing.
"There’s a danger here,” Rossetti said in a May 29 video posted on his Facebook page addressing UFO sightings and the existence of aliens."
Comprehensive Sourcing: Includes Rossetti’s clarification that Catholics can believe in extraterrestrial life, adding theological nuance.
"Rossetti also said that people can be good Catholics and believe there’s life on other planets, though he does not personally believe life exists elsewhere."
Framing by Emphasis: Notes Rossetti’s large social media following, contextualizing his influence.
"Rossetti, who has over 148,000 followers on Instagram, is a prominent psychologist as well as an exorcist."
Balanced Reporting: Presents Rossetti’s apology and commitment to obedience without editorial judgment.
"I ask forgiveness for any ways that I have not been faithful to the teachings of the Church’s Magisterium..."
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