Talk Title: The Interconnection between Spiritual and Psychological Healing
Fr. John Szada was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Harrisburg in 1978 by Bishop
Joseph Daley. He has served as a pastor and chaplain in various assignments within
the diocese. He holds a PhD in Psychology from Capella University, a Master of
Science in Psychology, a Master of Divinity from Mount Saint Mary’s College, a
Bachelor of Science in Psychology from York College of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor
of Arts in Foreign Service and International Politics from Penn State University.
Since 2011, Fr. Szada has been appointed as the official exorcist for the Diocese of
Harrisburg. Father has emphasized the importance of ruling out mental illness before
considering cases of possession. He is active in spiritual formation and pastoral care.
His work has been featured in various media news outlets, podcasts and conferences.
Fr. Szada recently spoke at the 15th International Gathering of the International
Association of Exorcists (IAE) in Rome, which was held September 15 – 20, 2025.
Pope Leo XIV addressed a message to the approximately 300 exorcist priests who
were in attendance at the conference.