8.275. Is there a contradiction between the elimination of exorcisms in the post-Vatican II baptismal and traditional Catholic teaching on spiritual warfare and the power of the sacraments?
Yes. The traditional Catholic Church has always taught that Baptism not only washes away original sin, but also frees the soul from the dominion of Satan and transfers it into the Kingdom of Christ. This liberation is not symbolic; it is a real deliverance from spiritual bondage. Accordingly, the Church has historically included multiple solemn exorcisms in the traditional Roman Rite of Baptism, even for infants, to expel the devil and safeguard the soul.
By contrast, the revised rite of Baptism introduced after Vatican II (1969) significantly reduces or eliminates these exorcisms and instead emphasizes the welcoming of the child into the community. This shift reflects a broader departure from traditional Catholic beliefs about original sin, the reality of demonic influence, and the Church Militant's role in spiritual warfare. The result is a profound rupture in the theology of Baptism and a dangerous weakening of the Church’s defensive posture against Satan.
1. Traditional Teaching on Exorcism and Baptism
The traditional rite of Baptism is full of rituals of spiritual defense: blessings with exorcised salt, breathing on the face (symbolizing the Holy Ghost), signs of the Cross to mark the body for Christ, and three solemn exorcisms to explicitly drive out the devil.
As the Roman Ritual (Rituale Romanum, 1614) states:
“Depart from him, unclean spirit, and give place to the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.”
(First exorcism)
“I exorcize you, unclean spirit, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: come forth and depart from this servant of God.”
(Second exorcism)
“Therefore, accursed devil, acknowledge your sentence and give honor to the living and true God… Depart from this servant of God.”
(Third exorcism)
These are not optional prayers. They express the doctrinal belief that every soul, born in original sin, is under the power of the devil until Baptism breaks that chain.
2. The New Rite of Baptism (Post-Vatican II)
The Novus Ordo rite of Baptism, promulgated in 1969, eliminated two of the three exorcisms, significantly softened the language of the remaining one, and removed the use of exorcised salt altogether. The modern text no longer speaks of Satan in direct terms, and many versions replace terms like “devil” with vague phrases like “all that is evil.”
The emphasis is no longer on liberation from Satan but on initiation into the Christian community.
No command for Satan to depart
No exorcised salt or solemn adjurations
Tone shifted from militant to welcoming
Little mention of original sin and its consequences
The revised rite reflects the broader Vatican II tendency to avoid harsh or confrontational language in favor of ecumenical and modernist sensibilities.
3. Theological Consequences
The suppression of the exorcisms is not a liturgical preference—it reflects a fundamental change in doctrine:
Diminished sense of spiritual warfare: Satan is no longer treated as an active enemy of the soul at Baptism.
Downplaying of original sin: The Church no longer insists that the child is born in bondage to sin and the devil.
Shift from sacramental realism to symbolism: Baptism becomes a rite of belonging rather than a supernatural rescue.
Reduced role of the priest as exorcist and spiritual warrior
This reflects a modernist approach that sees man as essentially good, and society—not Satan—as the main enemy. This contradicts Scripture and Tradition:
“We know that we are of God, and the whole world is in the power of the evil one.”
“Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
| Category | Traditional Roman Rite | Post-Vatican II Rite | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exorcisms | Three solemn exorcisms commanding Satan to depart | Only one mild exorcism; often optional or removed | Reflects softening of theology |
| Exorcised Salt | Used to symbolize purification and protection | Eliminated entirely | Loss of sacramental power and symbolism |
| Language | Direct: "Depart from him, unclean spirit!" | Vague: "Free him from all that is evil" | Modernist avoidance of supernatural conflict |
| View of Satan | Active enemy of souls, conquered by Christ | Downplayed or ignored | Dangerous loss of vigilance |
| Priestly Role | Exorcist and spiritual protector | Welcomer and facilitator | Redefines priesthood and sacramental authority |
Summary:
The traditional Catholic Church has always included solemn exorcisms in the rite of Baptism as a vital part of the sacrament’s spiritual purpose: to deliver the soul from the dominion of Satan and make it a child of God. These prayers, drawn from Scripture and the Church Fathers, reflect the truth that each soul is born with original sin and must be rescued by Christ through the Church.
In the traditional Roman Rite, Baptism includes three explicit exorcisms, each invoking the name of the Trinity and commanding Satan to depart. The use of exorcised salt, the sign of the Cross, and the breathing of the priest all signify a powerful spiritual deliverance. These rituals are not symbolic gestures—they express deep theological truths about the soul’s condition before grace and the priest’s authority to act in Christ’s name.
After Vatican II, the revised rite of Baptism removed nearly all of this. Only one soft exorcism remains, and even it is often skipped or downplayed. References to Satan are removed or reworded. The focus shifts to community, inclusion, and welcome. The effect is not just cosmetic—it changes the theology. Baptism is no longer portrayed as a battle and liberation from sin and the devil but rather as a community initiation ceremony.
This change reflects the broader Vatican II attitude: optimism about human nature, avoidance of "negative" or "confrontational" language, and an embrace of ecumenism and modernism. In rejecting the traditional prayers, the post-Vatican II Church implicitly rejects the doctrines those prayers teach.
The Catholic Church teaches that the sacraments are not mere symbols. Their form and words matter. Removing exorcisms from Baptism and blessings removes a key protection for the soul, especially in a world increasingly open to demonic influence. Satan is real. Hell is real. Original sin is real. And the traditional rite understood this deeply.
The true Catholic Church continues to uphold the traditional sacramental forms and the spiritual warfare they embody. The Vatican II religion, in softening or eliminating these protections, shows itself to be a counterfeit institution—offering sentimental rituals instead of supernatural defense.