Monsignor Stephen J. Rossetti is a priest of the Diocese of Syracuse, N.Y., a licensed psychologist, and a longtime exorcist. He served as chief exorcist for the Archdiocese of Washington for over 15 years (some reports say nearly 19), performed hundreds of exorcisms and deliverance sessions, founded the St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal, and authored books like Diary of an American Exorcist. He has extensive experience in spiritual warfare, priestly formation, and psychological-spiritual care.
On May 29, 2026, Rossetti posted a video message addressing rising public interest in UFOs/UAPs. He acknowledged that belief in extraterrestrial life is not contrary to Catholic doctrine. However, as an exorcist, he warned of deception: demons can hide and manipulate perceptions or phenomena. He stated his personal belief (not de fide or official teaching): “There’s no question in my mind, personally... that probably many, if not most, of these UFO sightings are, in fact, demons; and they can do things that we can’t do, such [as] the speed and all sorts of things that human beings can’t do.” He urged trust in Jesus amid spiritual dangers.
On June 3, 2026, Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archbishop of Washington, removed Rossetti as an archdiocesan exorcist and ended all affiliation between the archdiocese and the St. Michael Center. In his statement, McElroy said Rossetti’s remarks linking UFOs to demonic activity, along with the Center’s recent social media use, “gravely undermine the Church’s very precise teaching on the devil, demons and exorcism.”
Rossetti responded with obedience and humility: “I am saddened by the Archdiocese’s decision. I ask forgiveness for any ways that I have not been faithful to the teachings of the Church’s Magisterium, particularly in the cited video on ‘aliens and the demonic.’ I believe it is of the utmost importance to be obedient to the Church... I will continue to endeavor to subject all that I do and the Center to be thus obedient.” He expressed gratitude for his years of service and noted the Center would continue its ministry elsewhere.
Why Rossetti’s Comments Were Seen as Problematic/Heretical in This Context
Catholic theology, rooted in Scripture and Tradition, teaches that demons (fallen angels) are real, purely spiritual beings who can influence the material world through preternatural (not supernatural) means to deceive humanity and draw people from Christ (see Eph 6:12; CCC 391-395, 1673-1674). However, the Church’s teaching on exorcism and demonology is precise and cautious. Public speculation tying specific modern phenomena (like UFOs) directly to demons as a near-certainty risks sensationalism, undermines the sober liturgical rite of exorcism, and can foster fear or distraction from core Gospel truths. McElroy viewed this as gravely undermining that precision.
St. Thomas Aquinas provides key clarity on the nature of angels and demons (Summa Theologica, Prima Pars). Angels are immaterial, intellectual substances without bodies naturally united to them (I, q. 51, a. 1). They are pure spirits—superior in intellect and power to humans—but not corporeal extraterrestrials or biological entities from other planets.
Fallen angels (demons) retain this spiritual nature but are perverted by pride and rebellion. They cannot create (only God creates ex nihilo), perform true miracles, or possess independent physical bodies. They can, however, assume bodies by manipulating matter, affect human senses and imagination, or produce “lying wonders” to deceive (Aquinas citing Augustine; I, q. 114; see also Summa on angelic locomotion and power over bodies).
Thus, while demons could masquerade as “aliens” or produce UFO-like phenomena to mislead (a view held by some exorcists and theologians), they are not extraterrestrial biological life forms. Equating or heavily implying that reported “aliens” are demons risks blurring the ontological distinction: angels/demons are not material beings evolving on other planets or piloting physical spacecraft in a naturalistic sense. This could confuse the faithful about creation, the Incarnation (Christ assumed human nature), and the limits of demonic power versus divine order. Catholic thought leaves room for possible extraterrestrial life (theologically neutral), but any such beings would also be creatures under God—not demons. See more here: https://www.sacerdotus.com/2026/05/are-aliens-demons-theological-and.html
This incident underscores the need for fidelity to the Magisterium’s careful teaching amid cultural fascination with the paranormal. Obedience and precise doctrine protect the faithful.
References (key sources):
- Archdiocese of Washington Statement (adw.org, June 3, 2026).
- NCRegister/EWTN News coverage.
- St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica (esp. I, qq. 50-64 on angels; q. 114 on demonic power).
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (on angels, demons, spiritual warfare).
- Rossetti’s video remarks (May 29, 2026, via St. Michael Center).
