A 97-year old communist survivor recited a prayer of exorcism inside St. Peter's Basilica this past week. Prayers for exorcism are intended to promote world peace and affirm Christ's dominion over all evil.
Leading the prayer was Cardinal Ernest Simoni, a 97 year old Albanian priest, who spent nearly 30 years in prison under communist rule for refusing to renounce his faith.
In 2024, Pope Francis praised Cardinal Ernest Simoni for his ministry and his perseverance of faith while under communism.
POPE FRANCIS
He, as a priest, bishop, lived 28 years in prison, the communist prison in Albania, where the persecution was possibly the cruelest, and who continues to bear witness and like him, many, many, many others. He is now 95 years old and continues...to work for the Church without being discouraged. Dear brother, I thank you for your witness. Thank you.
Known for his testimony and belief in spiritual warfare, Cardinal Simoni has spoken openly on multiple occasions about confronting evil through prayer.
CRT/VL
