Every diocese in the world still needs to have at least one trained exorcist on hand for the (rare) eventuality of an actual demonic possession, said Father Cesare Truqui.

The tradition of sung prayer dates back to the first millennium.

The insurgent group kidnapped 110 schoolgirls last month.

El-Sissi has already ensured his victory in the balloting that runs from March 26-28, after the imprisonment of three contenders and the withdrawals of four other opponents.

"It is you rich people who have finished the water, and now you want us to share the consequences."

The bishop of Matamoros, across the border from Brownsville, Texas, has expressed alarm after two church explosions within four days.