Exorcism as a Business: Is It Worth Traveling to Rome for a €575 Course?

How Much Do Modern “Ghost Hunters” Make, and How Can You Enroll in the Program If You Are a Layperson?

Unlocking the Paranormal: Is the Rome Exorcism Program a Viable Investment or Just Curiosity?

Many people remember the iconic films “Ghostbusters” and “Annabelle.” But what if the paranormal isn’t just a plot for the movies, but a very real industry? As it turns out, there has been a university course on exorcism and the prayer of deliverance in Rome for over 20 years.

Pop-art style illustration with speech bubbles asking whether exorcism is a business and if it's worth traveling to Rome for the €575 Vatican course.
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_What if an unusual side hustle or source of income is closer than it seems, and it is actually taught under the auspices of the Vatican? And more importantly: can you really make $50,000 a year from this? Let’s break down the course, calculate the costs, examine the income potential, and find out who can participate in this extraordinary program.

Key Details of the Course in Rome

  • Course Name: XX Course on the Ministry of Exorcism and Prayer of Deliverance;
  • Location: Pontifical University Regina Apostolorum (Pontificio Ateneo Regina Apostolorum);
  • Address: Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy;
  • Upcoming Dates: May 11–15, 2026;
  • Duration: 5 days.

Cost and What’s Included

  • Registration Fee: €575 (payment is processed after the application is confirmed).
  • What’s Included: lectures, seminars, and in-depth topic analysis (covering theological, pastoral, spiritual, medical, and legal aspects).
  • Additional Expenses: * simultaneous translation (into English or Spanish) — an extra €350.
  • Accommodation and meals are not included in the price.

Certification: upon completion, participants receive an Attendance Certificate. It is important to note that this document is not an official license to perform exorcisms; it is purely for academic and informational purposes.

Who Can and Cannot Enroll in the Course

The training is open not only to the clergy but also to laypeople: doctors, psychologists, lawyers, educators, social workers, and researchers who are interested in the topic from a scientific or professional perspective.

Being a Catholic is not strictly required. However, the organizers require that participants of other faiths or denominations show respect for the traditions.

The procedure is standardized, and registration takes place through the university administration.

What You Need to Apply:

  • A letter of recommendation from Catholic church authorities (signed by a Catholic bishop or a local parish priest, but it must be certified with the bishop’s signature and seal). The letter must state that the applicant has high moral character and is loyal to the Catholic Church.
  • A motivation letter, in which you must explain why you want to participate in the course.
  • A resume (CV) and a copy of a government-issued ID.

How Often is the Course Held?

The course is held annually (usually in May) at the Regina Apostolorum University in Rome. In May 2026, the 20th anniversary session took place. Be sure to check the exact start date on the website.

Exorcist Income in the US

There are rumors of high additional earnings (up to €12,000 per month). However, the International Association of Exorcists officially debunks these myths and states that they do not charge for sessions. The performance of an exorcism is absolutely free of charge.

Using this ritual for commercial gain contradicts church canons. But here is the reality on the ground:

  • If you are a Catholic priest: you do not receive any additional compensation, only your standard salary ranging from $35,000 to $50,000 a year from the diocese (and this is for your regular service, not for the ritual itself).
  • If you are an independent practitioner: independent paranormal researchers and spiritual guides in the US who position themselves as “exorcists” can make from $35,000 to $60,000+ a year in additional income on this service alone. “Ghost hunting” as a business can bring in anywhere from $150 for a basic visit to $500+ for serious house clearing work.
  • Legal and licensing aspects: you can engage in this type of activity in the US, but there are no “official” secular licenses for exorcism. A Catholic priest must get approval from the local bishop, while independent practitioners operate as spiritual counselors.

This course caught my attention not as a way to make money, but as a unique opportunity to learn how this subject works from the perspective of psychology, law, and theology, and to understand where horror movie directors diverge from reality.

Insider Tip: to dig deeper into the history and psychology behind these practices, consider picking up a book like “An Exorcist Tells His Story” by Father Gabriele Amorth on Amazon. A thorough dive into authentic literature is the best "Plan B" to ensure your research goes beyond the surface and stands out!

While some people argue whether exorcism is a business or an exclusively spiritual practice, I focus on creating interesting and valuable things. Perhaps you will find something useful for yourself here: cute, cool, and beautiful merchandise on Redbubble or useful and necessary materials on Gumroad. 

What do you think — is exorcism a business, or is it an exclusively spiritual practice? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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