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The president of the International Association of Exorcists, Father Giancarlo Gramolazzo, died at the age of 65 on Nov. 8, after battling a long illness. The association was founded in 1990 by world famous exorcist, Fr. Gabriele Amorth.

Auxiliary Bishop Giovanni D’Ercole of L’Aquila, Italy celebrated the funeral Mass for Fr. Gramolazzo on Nov. 11 at the parish of All Saints in Rome. Family members, friends and fellow members of the Congregation of St. Luigi Orione were also in attendance.

In 2000, Fr. Gramolazzo became president of the International Association of Exorcists. He was born in Ortonovo, Italy, and at the age of 12 he became familiar with the congregation founded by St. Luigi Orione. He was eventually ordained a priest in the order in 1973.

After recovering from a tumor at the age of 40, he worked at the Institute for Orphans in Rome-Montemario. In 1990 he was named director of a home for the elderly and those with disabilities.

“Fr. Giancarlo was an exorcist and was devoted to this difficult ministry for more than 30 years, becoming the international president of exorcists as well,” his congregation noted in a statement. “He was a man of great culture and spiritual understanding and was attentive to the needs of others.”