The Pope's Exorcist

Year: 2023

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: Julius Avery

ThrillerHorror

Father Gabriele Amorth, Vatican's leading exorcist, investigates a disturbing case involving a young man seemingly possessed by a powerful demonic entity. As he explores the situation, Amorth uncovers a long-hidden secret within the Vatican, suggesting a deeper, more sinister plot. He must confront not only the forces of evil, but also the institution he serves, to protect the innocent and confront a threat to the Church itself.

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The Pope's Exorcist (2023) – Ending Explained & Final Scene Breakdown

Still thinking about how The Pope's Exorcist (2023) ended? Here’s a full breakdown of the ending, key final moments, major twists, and the deeper meaning behind the film’s conclusion.

In the climax of “The Pope’s Exorcist,” Father Amorth is faced with the ultimate battle against the demon Asmodeus, who has possessed young Henry and seeks to use him as part of his plan to unleash chaos from Hell. Inside Amorth, the demon fights to take over his body as he struggles desperately to maintain control. To stop Asmodeus, Amorth decides that the only way to prevent the demon from invading the Church and causing destruction is for him to sacrifice himself. He attempts to kill himself by hanging, but the demon’s influence prevents him from completing the act.

Realizing that direct self-destruction won’t work, Amorth returns to the crypt where he faces a dark pool of water—serving as a gateway to Hell—and a second demon in the form of a woman resembling Adella, Father Esquibel’s lost love. With Esquibel’s help and the aid of Latin prayers, holy medals, and the crucifix, they combine their faith and spiritual power to defeat Asmodeus. The demons are cast back into the depths of Hell, and the crypt is sealed to prevent their return.

After this intense confrontation, peace is restored, and the Vatican celebrates their victory with Father Amorth and Esquibel being honored for their bravery. Julia successfully leaves the haunted abbey with her children, who are now free from the demon’s influence, and the Church re-consecrates the site, sealing it from any future demonic invasions. However, the film hints that other such spots in the world still remain open, leaving open the possibility that demons could return elsewhere.

The ending shows a real photograph of Father Gabriele Amorth, emphasizing that he continued his work as the Chief Exorcist until his death in 2016. This final touch grounds the supernatural story in real-life history, suggesting that faith and courage can stand against even the most powerful evil.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:00

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Narratives typically follow a dedicated religious figure—often an exorcist or priest—who is called to investigate a severe case of demonic infestation. The story escalates from a localized threat to a larger, more sinister revelation, pitting the protagonist not only against the demon but sometimes against the very institution they serve. The journey is one of spiritual warfare, combining procedural investigation with intense, faith-based confrontations.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern begins with a specific, alarming case that draws in an investigator. As they dig deeper, evidence points not to an isolated event, but to a pattern of concealment by a powerful organization—be it a church, corporation, or government. The second half of the story involves the protagonist racing to expose the truth while being threatened by the very institution they are part of or investigating, creating a dual conflict against a monstrous threat and a human conspiracy.

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