Vatican-trained exorcist shares true tales of his craft

De Filippis simply pushed the woman back down in a matter-of-fact way that almost ignored the presence of evil, according to Lampert, who added that he didn't experience any fear during the exorcism.

He said demons don't jump from one person to another, that possession is not a communicable disease, and he tells people evil is not contagious the way it's sometimes portrayed by Hollywood. He said he witnessed about 40 exorcisms while in Rome and most were not all that exciting.

He said some people thought their marital problems were caused by evil, and De Filippis directed them to get to get counseling, sometimes using exorcism as "one component" of a larger treatment.

"Some people think every little trouble is caused by evil," Lampert said. "Exorcists are trained to be skeptics. When someone comes to me and says they are possessed, my first thought is: 'No you're not.'"

He said not everyone believes him when he determines they are not possessed, and some seek help elsewhere by consulting specialists in the paranormal. He said some symptoms of possession are eyes rolling back in the head, mouths foaming, faces changing color. But he added that symptoms might be caused by medical conditions. And he said he won't perform an exorcism unless he's sure the subject is possessed.