CLEVELAND -- Exorcism is a part of the Catholic church that is still very little known, but with the help of NewsChannel5's sister station in Florida, anchor Ted Henry was able to become familiar with a priest there who currently performs exorcisms.

Henry reported that the Vatican is quietly rolling out a plan to increase exorcisms.

The Rev. Tom Euteneuer said he has faced the devil, and that the devil is real and walks among us.

"The manifestation of demons can be very frightening, but you never have to be afraid of the devil because we always have the power of Christ to deal with him," said Euteneuer.

Euteneuer said he has been performing exorcisms for five years now.

"I find it very satisfying. I wouldn't use the word pride, because pride is something from the devil and the way you can actually do this is kind of work is to be very humble," he said.

Euteneuer's work as an exorcist is about to increase because of what he said is happening in Rome.

Pope Benedict XVI recently announced his intention to greatly expand the practice of exorcism, in a matter the world hasn't seen in centuries, Euteneuer said.

"The Pope isn't inventing anything new, and he's not actually bringing anything out and dusting it off. It's always been there, maybe less practiced than it could be, or should be, but right now he sees that there's a greater need for it," Euteneuer said.

The pope's plan to expand the ancient ritual of exorcism certainly has its critics, people who worry that many people suffering with mental illness may be misdiagnosed.

To that end, the church is offering a 10-week course so priests can better learn how to perform exorcisms and to help them better understand the difference between possession and psychiatric disorders such as Tourrette's syndrome and schizophrenia.

"Actually, we're in a better position than in all of history to discern and determine what is spiritual and what's not spiritual," said Euteneuer.

The pope said those closest to him share his belief in the existence of Satan, and believes his influence has grown in recent years through rock music, children's literature and the Internet, Henry reported.

The answer, says Euteneuer, may ultimately be a matter of faith.

"When a society doesn't believe in demons, it therefore doesn't believe in exorcism. So it's really only people of faith who will understand this for what it is," he said.

Euteneuer has written a book about his experience as an exorcist called "Exorcism and the Church Militant." It is scheduled for release later this summer.

E-mail your thoughts and questions on the subject of exorcism to Henry@newsnet5.com.