Father Amorth : My Battle Against Satan

by Gabriele Amorth

Tall and balding with laughing eyes and a welcoming smile, Father Gabriele Amorth spent decades battling the Devil one-on-one, performing literally tens of thousands of exorcisms.

When Father Amorth died in 2016, he was the world's most famous exorcist, a legendary, miraculous chaser of demons. To the many he served, Father was a godsend, freeing them from years of demonic oppression; to others, he was just a crank – an extremist priest who saw the Devil everywhere.

 Now, in these never-before-published interviews, Father Amorth takes you into his private world, giving you a harrowing vision of his daily battles with the Devil. Here you won't meet a wizard or a crazy man. Instead, you'll encounter a solid Christian and a humble priest, one who jokes and takes life as God - or the Devil! - hands it to him.

Not only will you learn from Father how he proceeds and why; you'll discover the source of his profound faith and remarkable strengths essential not only to exorcists, but to every person who would truly love and serve God. Indeed, with the help of these fascinating pages, you, too, can come to have the same strengths as Father Gabriele Amorth, the fearless exorcist who daily fought Satan . . . and won.

Genres: Religion, Catholic, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Horror, Spirituality, Biography

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Italian Roman Catholic priest and the senior exorcist of the Diocese of Rome.

Amorth authored two books specifically on exorcism. The publications marked a defining moment in literary history, being the first public documents to treat this subject.
The two books An Exorcist Tells His Story and An Exorcist: More Stories are not official Roman Catholic documents, rather personal accounts of his office as Exorcist. The books use witness accounts and personal experience as evidence.

-Wikipedia

Reviews

[Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

From struggle to struggle

✨ ✨ This is the man played by Russell Crowe in the current movie The Pope’s Exorcist. However in this book Fr Amorth’s focus is on the why of human suffering. This review is written from his POV.

This book is not only about exorcism. Indeed, the friends and colleagues of Father Amorth in this volume speak more about exorcisms than the Father does. Fr. Amorth discusses suffering a great deal, what it means, why some are healed and others not, how difficult as well as beautiful the walk of faith can be. We go, he says, from struggle to struggle, not from victory to victory. There are many wonderful moments in a life of faith, he acknowledges. But the darkness is always present as well as the light. There are many challenges, many battles, and some are called to fight more battles than others.

Exorcism is not a Hallmark movie. It is hard and can be prolonged. If the struggles of a life of faith are harsh and sometimes incomprehensible, so are the struggles of obtaining a person’s liberation in an exorcism. Faith that never gives up is critical. So is humility rather than ego or arrogance (“It is I, the exorcist, I am here, all is well!”)

But the central thing is that God is the one who exorcises, heals, redeems and renews. And it is God who has a plan for a person’s life, including the afflicted, a plan God is working out that often is not clear to us. God is the heart of healing and liberation. And our healing and liberation and redemption is the Cross in the heart of God.

[Jerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book would be about Fr. Amorth's various exorcism experiences but it is not. While there are passing glimpses of what he has seen, the first half is more about the man himself in his own words. The second half is about what others who were close to him thought of him. I still enjoyed learning about Fr. Amorth and I was heartened to hear about his self professed weaknesses and what he considered to be important life lessons.

[Conor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A highly enjoyable and easy read. Very inspiring and reassuring of God’s love for each and everyone of us. Not to mention God’s complete victory over Satan! Well worth reading.

[Candace]

DNF @ 20% on audio 9/19/23. On the heels of abandoning another of his books, I'll go ahead and part ways with this one as well.

[Jim Beatty · Rating 4 out of 5]

One may regret having spoken, but never for having kept silent.

[Dwight Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite an elucidation of what an exorcist does as a Catholic priest. It is not for faint-hearted as some exorcists get beaten up daily by Devil in a physical sense. There were some quirky demon possessions of people levitating! There is some hope and it is built on basic theology of Christ overcoming Satan on the Cross. The second half are compatriots of exorcist giving the lighter and darker side of the tough man exorcist. Overall despite his weaknesses this is challenging and might even work in my dark suburb to cut down evil in the area. The possessed (a small percentage) and those tempted into bad lives can be rescued and liberated sometimes after several attempts over several weeks. Those affected by demons may slip back or the Devil may not leave when he says as he is a liar but the battle is won and the demons are kicked out leaving person to have a better life in Christ but they have to keep their life in order or it will slip back under Satan's control. Challenging but hopeful book for Christians seeking to overcome evil's power in a downtrodden suburb. It also covers psychiatric disease as an alternative to demon possession.

[Ariel Rosen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, interesting. This book was a collection of interviews with Father Amorth and those close to him. It provided insight into the spiritual battles Father Amorth faced and the strength of faith required in his work as an exorcist for the Church. ‘My Battle With Satan’ offers an interesting and brief understanding of exorcism and the intense belief in God’s power over evil according to the Christian community.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but not terribly so.

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual fare but interesting.

[Chris Pratt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a vague expectation that this book would be similar to The Pope’s Exorcist, the Russell Crowe film based on Father Gabriele Amorth. It wasn’t. It was a rather dull biography of a good man. There were a couple brief mentions of possessed people levitating or needing to be restrained, but I learned that the vast majority of exorcisms are rather calmer affairs, requiring repeated ministrations over the course of months or even years to find respite from their torments.

I don’t know much about the Catholic Church, but I felt a great kinship to Father Amorth as I learned about how he dedicated his life to approaching Christ and helping others do the same. I could see myself pursuing the life of a priest if I were Catholic.

I looked up the following words while reading this book: cassock, intransigent, confrere, novitiate, devotionalism, scamp, catechism, cenobite, charism, consentient, catechesis, laity, ad persona,, convalescence, exegete

[Antonius Denny Harijanto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful book to understand more about the ministry of exorcism

The book is in the format of Q&A against people who were close to Fr. Gabriele when he was alive. It's not exclusively about exorcism, it's more about Fr. Gabriele's life.

[Matin Pyron · Rating 3 out of 5]

It must be pointed out that this book has nothing to do with spooky encounters and casting out demons just as the adaptation The Pope's Exorcist featuring Mr. Crowe tried to portray!
At first, I was quite desperate to find out the way Father Amorth exorcised the demons; however, there is not much mentioned in the book!
It is as if it were meant to be written as a biography about Father's personality and characteristics.
Moreover, I was truly satisfied by the Father's stand on salvation and how easily we can lose it by not both following the faith and not carrying out good deeds according to the book of James of the gospel.
He believed we cannot be sure of inheriting the kingdom of God (Heaven) because we must constantly and continually pray to earn it through hard work while standing firm in faith.
That being said, Father Amorth tells us to forgive one another for not only is it the eighth sacrament, but also it is the only way to make the Lord happy.
To put it plainly, forgive so that he forgives you; nevertheless, Father Amorth brings forth the idea that the Devil and demons are not mere fictional characters, and he is deeply awed by the fact that some priests and clergymen do not believe in such concepts!
It is widely believed that Satan and the demons' biggest strategy and goal is to make people neglect their existence and presence in our daily lives so that they can do their evil deeds in disguise while everyone is ignorant of the truth! That is the main culprit why the demonic entities make such great effort to not manifest themselves and to be under the radar
Moreover, Father Amorth emphasizes the very fact that the clergymen who do not believe in demons and Satan also do not believe in the gospel for the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth was the first exorcist in the world to cast out demons in his holy name.
According to the gospel of Matthew Lord Jesus says:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Matin Payervan
July 10th 2025
Iran, Tehran

[NoScreenName · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I've read three of Father Amorth's books now and they're worth reading. Skip the terrible movie about him 'The Pope's Exorcist' (what happened to you, Russell Crowe? We'll always have GLADIATOR!) with hack CGI FX and just read Amorth's books. A whimsical, jolly little fella born and raised in Italy, Amorth became a priest at a young age. This was definitely his avocation he wasn't just a clock puncher. Also known as one of the hardest working exorcists, he worked long days and tried to see as many people who needed him as possible. Some countries don't even have exorcists and cases seem to always be rising, so Amorth was busy. He had the gift of discernment; he was adept as being able to ascertain who needed his help and who was just in need of a blessing. Too much information to share and I'm trying to catch up on reviews bc I've just been reading and not keeping track. But if you want an accurate portrayal of what the life of an exorcist is like this is your book. More importantly, he also shared helpful information about how to avoid becoming ensnared by dark spiritual energies. Really good book and much better than books by secular morons who don't know the first thing about an exorcism because they've never seen one much less performed them for literal decades like our homeboy Gabriele!

[david marsden · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a series of interviews from people who new him and were inspired by him. As he states so often in the book there are many priests in the church who don't believe in Satan, demons and the need for exorcists. He was a man who battled against them on someone else's behalf. If we loose site of this spiritual side of reality then Satan will rejoice, though only for a short while. I'll say this, the priests that don't believe need to go back to the word of Jesus and read the stories of exorcism conducted by the master. Then be more pro-active in the matter and teach what the bible says. More people should read this book and understand.

[Srrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this before you see “The Pope’s Exorcist”

This book is an interview with the exorcist Fr Gabriel Amorth, SSP, and the subject of this new 2023 film. The books has several enlightening interviews with people who knew Fr Amorth (he died in 2016.) The film is being promoted as a horror film and I’ve only seen the trailer so far, and it looks scary enough. The book, instead, fills in Fr Amorth’s back story and this is important to know: his spirituality, faith, love and devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Also, how he came to be an exorcist is explained in his own words. A very good read.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

After listening the the podcast “The Exorcist Files” and reading this book about one of the church’s greatest exorcists, I have a much better understanding about exorcisms. Father Amorth was a humble, faithful, and kind man who helped many people who were either possessed by demons or who just needed someone to pray. I really liked how the first half of the book was from a direct interview with Father Armorth as I gained an understanding into his thoughts and conflicting ideas. The second half was interviews from others that new him well. Really interesting book about and amazing priest and some of the basics of exorcism.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read one of this famous exorcist's books before and wasn't all that blown away, but he seems in his old age here to have really matured into a humble, selfless saint. I was so impressed by the centrality of the Gospel in his practice and his excellent grasp of the Gospel, quoting from it for every possible scenario. Jesus was, afterall the first exorcist.

It's crazy to me how some people claim to accept the Gospel but don't believe that the demonic or satan exist, including, by Fr. Amorth's admission and experience, many Roman Catholic bishops.

Father Amorth, pray for us!

[Marcela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m big on demonic possessions and protecting oneself so I’ve read another Father Amorth book for this reason and I came to seek that in this one for which I’d give the book 3/5 but then the man was anti abortion and talking on other religions and mediation all sideways then finally he said people need to confess once every week ideally AND each time you masturbate like ????

Truly a white man born in 1925 and that’s the 2/5 for you

[Mike Vee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great auto-biograhpy with stories of clergy colleagues also on the most well known and experienced priest/exorcist in Rome. This is one of his many books about not being afraid to regularly confront and defeat the devil and his demons with the help from Mother Mary and God.

[Liz · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
Although I was excited to read this book the writing style was so uninteresting and dry that I just couldn’t do it. I grudgingly got through maybe 30 pages before deciding this just wasn’t worth my time.

[Kian.ting · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am encouraged by the autobiography father Atmorth said that he is worth nothing even when he has done great exorcism work, he is worth nothing because it is Jesus who has done all the work a great reminder for all of us who is Christians. It is especially important in a world of self promotion.

[Sophie]

Easy to read. It is full of interesting information in interview form. Loved learning about the mind of an exorcist.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting if a little strange at points.

[Michael EMEKA]

Sorry i am new year and don't know how to navigate this site.
Please how do i get to read the book?
Just watched the " pope's exorcist" and it kind of pricked my interest.

[Daphne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hearing the words of Father Amorth and anecdotal testimonials of those who knew and worked with him is interesting to hear that he was a "regular" person who just happened to be an exorcist.

[Renato Bonasera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always fascinating to read about Father Amorth. His insight into the world of evil is unforgettable.

[Jon Bauman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a neat interview with the Father and then those who knew it. It had glimpses of what the excorcisms were like but it was mainly about the need for faith, and that yes, evil exists.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Greatest trick the Devil ever played was convincing the world that he did not exist.

[Maria Rupert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enlightening. It was more about the man, than his exorcisms, but a good introduction to the books that follow. He clearly make a convincing case that the devil is real.

[Susieq_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I look forward to reading more books on Father Amorth.