Exorcism film "The Rite" opens in Rome

A film about the experience of a Rome exorcist is opening Friday in Rome. The Rite, starring Anthony Hopkins, has been praised for its respectful approach to the Church’s exorcism ritual. It is based on a non-fiction book by Rome-based writer Matt Baglio, who followed an exorcist in Rome as he went about his work.

The film was shot in Rome, and actor Colin O’Donoghue actually observed several exorcisms.

“I was nervous because I had seen The Exorcist and seen other exorcism films, and I went ‘What have I let myself in for here?’ What I realized it was actually more sedate than I expected,” he said. “It was very much like a therapy session, I guess, for want of a better term. I realized then it didn’t matter if I believed in it or not, because for the people going [for exorcisms] it was very real, and very scary.”

The film opened in the United States in January to mixed reviews, but The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops noted that despite any flaws, the “tale resoundingly affirms faith and the value of priestly ministry.”

Listen to our report...