BREAKING Washington Cardinal McElroy Removes Chief Exorcist Monsignor Rossetti, Who Later Apologized, for Comments on UFOs

Monsignor Stephen Rossetti, has been removed as chief exorcist from the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. The removal came after, the now former chief exorcist for the Archdiocese, warned that UFO-related phenomena may be spiritually deceptive. In a May 31 video (now removed), Mons. Rossetti said demons “like to hide” and may present themselves in ways that confuse or manipulate people. He urged Christians not to become distracted by UFO claims, occult practices, or “friendly ghosts and aliens.” Rossetti has made numerous other videos on exorcism but the Cardinal's statement did not specify which ones were the cause of his removal. 
“Trust in Jesus,” Rossetti said. “Our eyes are fixed on Heaven.”

Full Text Statement from Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archbishop of Washington, on Monsignor Stephen Rossetti

The Archdiocese of Washington announced today that Robert Cardinal McElroy has removed Monsignor Stephen Rossetti, a priest of the Diocese of Syracuse, N.Y., as an exorcist of the Archdiocese of Washington, and ended all affiliation between the archdiocese and the Saint Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal located in Washington, D.C.

Cardinal McElroy said that statements made by Monsignor Rossetti linking UFOs to demonic presence and the Center’s recent use of social media gravely undermine the Church’s very precise teaching on the devil, demons and exorcism.

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The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington is home to more than 655,000 Catholics, 140 parishes and 90 Catholic schools, located in Washington, D.C., and five Maryland counties: Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s.

Response from Msgr. Stephen J Rossetti: 6/3/2026
I am saddened by the decision of the Archdiocese of Washington to cut its affiliation with St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal (SMC). 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 and I will continue to endeavor to subject all that I do and the Center to be thus obedient. Also, I will continue to encourage all to do so as well. As I often say: “Stay in the Boat!”, that is, stay in the barque of Peter, it will lead you safely home. I am grateful for 19 years of ministering in the Archdiocese of Washington as its exorcist and I thank the Archdiocese for its support and blessing all these years. We will remember the Cardinal and all in ADW in our prayers for its important ministry. SMC plans to continue its ministry elsewhere.

God's abundant blessings be yours,

Msgr. Stephen J Rossetti

Image Screenshot from Saint Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal Channel

Sources: https://www.catholicexorcism.org/

https://adw.org/news/statement-cardinal-mcelroy-on-monsignor-stephen-rossetti/