We need to admit the existence of the devil so that we can understand how evil can be such a destructive force. In #160 the Pope tells us that the final clause of the Our Father would be translated more exactly for it does not refer to evil in the abstract but 'the evil one'. "It indicates a personal being who assails us. Jesus taught us to ask daily for deliverance from him, lest his power prevail over us."
161. "Hence we should not think of the devil as a myth, a representation, a symbol, a figure of speech or an idea. This mistake would lead us to let down our guard, to grow careless and end up more vulnerable. The devil does not need to possess us. He poisons us with the venom of hatred, desolation, envy and vice. When we let down our guard, he takes advantage of it to destroy our lives, our families and our communities. 'Like a roaring lion, he prowls around, looking for someone to devour' (Pet 5:8)."
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