Pope Francis & The Devil: Latest Insights & Analysis - [Must Read]
Is the concept of a malevolent entity, a supernatural adversary, a relic of the past, or a present reality in the eyes of the Catholic Church and its current leader? Pope Francis has consistently emphasized the very real existence of the devil, challenging those who might dismiss such beliefs as outdated.
An article recently circulated online, accurately reflecting Pope Francis's comments on the devil, but it included a fabricated sentence: "this is the first time Pope Francis has publicly acknowledged longstanding rumors of his dark, satanic leanings." This false statement, though misleading, inadvertently highlights the persistent focus the pontiff has placed on the topic of Satan and his influence.
| Full Name: | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born: | December 17, 1936 (age 87) |
| Birthplace: | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Nationality: | Argentine |
| Education: | Master of Arts in Philosophy and Literature |
| Religious Order: | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Ordination: | December 13, 1969 (as a priest) |
| Episcopal Ordination: | June 27, 1992 (as a bishop) |
| Previous Positions: | Archbishop of Buenos Aires (19982013), Cardinal (20012013) |
| Elected Pope: | March 13, 2013 |
| Reign: | March 13, 2013 Present |
| Main Themes of Papacy: | Mercy, Social Justice, Dialogue |
| Notable Actions: | Reform of the Vatican Bank, Efforts for interreligious dialogue, Emphasis on the poor and marginalized |
| Official Website: | The Holy See |
On Wednesday, Pope Francis addressed those who might consider belief in the devil to be antiquated or irrelevant, firmly stating that Satan does, in fact, exist. He referenced Jesus's own experiences with temptation, and his ultimate triumph over them, as a foundational element of Christian faith. The Pope's consistent reaffirmation of this belief provides a clear message: the battle between good and evil is a constant reality.
In a recently published interview, Pope Francis recounted how he called upon exorcists during his tenure as Archbishop. He explicitly warned that the devil is perpetually seeking to attack everyone, a statement that underscores his view that the struggle against evil is not confined to specific times or places, but rather a continuous and universal challenge. This proactive approach to spiritual warfare, evident even before his papacy, highlights the seriousness with which he views the threat of Satan.
It is important to note that Pope Francis's discussions of the devil have been met with some surprise. This is not necessarily because the topic itself is shocking, but perhaps because of the frequency with which he addresses it, and the directness of his language. The topic of the devil is often relegated to the shadows, but for Pope Francis, it remains a central concern.
In his address to the general audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis identified pornography as a work of the devil, urging Christians to reject this and other temptations that are accessible through the internet. This condemnation, which resonates with concerns about the impact of digital culture on faith and morality, demonstrates his belief that the devil uses contemporary tools and technologies to lead people astray.
During the morning of April 11, 2014, at his daily homily at the mass in the chapel of the St. Martha residence in Vatican City, Pope Francis emphasized a theme that has been among his central considerations for a long time. This indicates that his focus on the devil is not a passing fancy, but a persistent aspect of his theological perspective. This is an ongoing battle that must be fought every day.
Pope Francis's use of the term "the great accuser" to describe Satan struck a chord with some of his harshest conservative critics. Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigan, a former Vatican ambassador, was among those who voiced their concern. This response highlights the sensitivity surrounding any discussion of the devil, and the way in which it can be interpreted through different theological and political lenses.
Popewatch considers the belief by Pope Francis to be very reassuring, as a hallmark of those who promote "Spirit of Vatican II" is the denial, or more commonly, a complete amnesia, about Satan. This is exactly what Satan wants, as C.S. Lewis observed in Letter 7 of The Screwtape Letters.
The Vaticans banishment of Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigan, who had branded Pope Francis as a "servant of Satan," underscores the tension this topic can generate. Vigan, since his initial pronouncements, has cultivated a following, particularly through conspiracy theories related to the coronavirus pandemic. The episode shows how the topic of the devil can intersect with, and inflame, existing political and ideological divisions within the Church.
There are several videos circulating on YouTube claiming that Pope Francis has praised Lucifer as a god. Similar claims were made about Pope Benedict XVI during his pontificate. These assertions demonstrate the lengths to which some will go to discredit the Pope. It is important to approach such claims with extreme skepticism and to verify the sources.
Satan seduces us by disguising evil as good, the Pope has said. He has further stated that even though the Bible describes the devil as astute and cunning in his attacks, we have the angels to defend us. This perspective emphasizes the importance of discernment, the need to recognize the devils tactics, and the availability of divine protection against evil. It reinforces the notion that the struggle against the devil is a central part of the believer's journey.
The Pope has pointed out, among other things, that the serpent in the Bible "is the first animal to be mentioned and I think perhaps it is the last". He further observes that "the ancient serpent satan was defeated". This connects the devil to the earliest narratives of the Bible, framing him as the origin of sin, and reinforcing the idea that his defeat is already secured through the sacrifice of Jesus.
Pope Francis stated that sin is the work of Satan and that Jesus defeats Satan by becoming sin. This statement is at the core of the Christian faith, and a key to understanding the pope's teachings on the devil. It is through his own sacrifice that Jesus won the victory over Satan, demonstrating that the devils power is limited and that evil can ultimately be overcome.
During his weekly general audience on Wednesday morning, Pope Francis continued his catechesis series on the Holy Spirit. He reminded listeners that despite Satan's attempts to distract and tempt us, the Lord enables us to free ourselves from his trickery and deception. This emphasizes the role of faith in the fight against evil, and the empowerment that comes from the Holy Spirit.
Pope Francis presided over the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square. The initiative of the Church is not Satans, but Gods.
Vatican City, October 30, 2014, at 07:53 am. In his homily on Thursday, Pope Francis said that the devil is more than an idea, and in order to fight him, we must follow St. Michael the Archangel. This indicates that the struggle against the devil requires not only belief, but active participation, seeking the intercession of the saints.
Exposing pedophile priests is not Satan's work. your news wire.
Pope Francis compares Vatican whistleblower to Satan.
They criticize #papafrancisco for having greeted a satanic priest.
John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis have confronted the devil throughout their pontificates, promoting the ministry of exorcism or even practicing it. This illustrates a consistent trend across different papacies, suggesting a commitment to addressing the issue of the devil and providing assistance to those who may be afflicted by him.
For Francis, the devil is not a myth but a real person, read Francis in his own words on satan in the 21st. The homily of Pope Francis was consistent with his teachings on the reality of the devil from the very start of his pontificate to only a few weeks ago, when he issued his latest apostolic letter.
Washington D.C., April 12, 2023, at 13:55 pm. In a recently published interview, Pope Francis said he called in exorcists when he was archbishop of Buenos Aires and warned that the devil is always.
Vatican City, January 28, 2024, at 12:18 pm. Pope Francis warned on Sunday that the devil wants to chain our souls and enslave us with many temptations, while Jesus came to free us from all of
Author of Exorcists Against Satan discusses how St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis have confronted the devil.Thursday, April 24, 2025, a service of EWTN News.
Pope Francis reiterated that his decision was "the result of a consultation with all the bishops of the world made last year," which, he said in a note accompanying the decision, showed him.
During his weekly general audience Wednesday morning, Pope Francis continues his catechesis series on the holy spirit and reminds that despite satan's attempts to distract and tempt us, the lord enables us to free ourselves of his trickery and deception.
Why is Pope Francis so obsessed with the devil? CNN
Pope Francis The renunciation of Satan and the act of faith go
Why is Pope Francis so obsessed with the devil? CNN
