The Rite Trailer

Exorcist Michael Kovak's real life counterpart, Father Gary Thomas, 57, is interviewed in 2011 about the movie "The Rite" and demonic possession. He is a mandated exorcist working in California who, like his counterpart in the movie, was trained in Rome. He cautions people not to invite the devil in through the practice of Wicken or through the use of devices like Ouija boards and fortune tellers.

CNN interviews the Vatican's chief exorcist who believes that the devil has more space to work due to the growing distance that people have placed between themselves and God. He also says that as the result of three centuries without exorcism in the church, many of today's Priests and Bishops know nothing about the subject and often recommend that the afflicted seek help from a psychiatrist instead.

With more than 800 satanic cults in Italy and devil worship on the rise, the Vatican's chief exorcist Father Gabriele Amorth speaks about the practice and shows the interviewer the room where he performs his exorcisms. He explains that there are situations that medicine and science can't cure, which exorcisms can often solve. He sees up to 50 people each week who claim to be possessed.

Sean Hannity's 2009 segment "Beyond Belief" features real exorcism audio recorded in Rome, in addition to comments from Father Gary Thomas and the author of "The Rite" Matt Baglio. They discuss the practice of exorcisms and the ways that Hollywood has exaggerated the ritual.