Cardinal Robert McElroy removed Monsignor Stephen Rossetti as exorcist of the Washington DC archdiocese on June 3, 2026, and cut ties with the St Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal, led by Rossetti [1, 2]. Rossetti had drawn controversy by publicly stating that many UFO sightings are likely demonic activity rather than extraterrestrial encounters.

On May 29, 2026, Rossetti posted a video on Facebook discussing his belief that demons disguise themselves as UFOs. "As an exorcist I wanted to raise that danger," he said. "It’s my personal belief that probably many if not most of these UFO sightings are in fact demons" [1]. Rossetti explained demons manipulate people and events by operating unseen. He emphasized that while he personally does not believe in extraterrestrial life, people can still be good Catholics if they believe in aliens [1].

The archbishop sharply criticized Rossetti’s statements and the Center’s use of social media, saying they "gravely undermine the Church’s very precise teaching on the devil, demons and exorcism" [1, 2]. Cardinal McElroy has led the Washington archdiocese since 2025 [2]. The St Michael Center specializes in spiritual healing for priests [1, 2].

Rossetti, a priest and prominent psychologist with over 148,000 Instagram followers, issued an apology following his removal. He said, "I ask forgiveness for any ways that I have not been faithful to the teachings of the Church’s Magisterium, particularly in the cited video on ‘aliens and the demonic’. I believe it is of the utmost importance to be obedient to the Church" [1].

There is no formal doctrine within the Catholic Church regarding extraterrestrial life [2]. The topic of UFOs gained attention after the U.S. government began releasing UFO files in May 2026, following a February 2026 directive by then-President Donald Trump [2]. Earlier in 2026, Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic, publicly stated his belief that UFOs are demons rather than aliens [2].

The Washington archdiocese has not announced a replacement exorcist or a future status update for the St Michael Center as of now.