Prominent Exorcist Priest Takes One-Year Media Hiatus at Archbishop's Request
Father Chad Ripperger will focus on his religious community after Archbishop James Golka requested a break from public engagements.
The Rev. Chad Ripperger, a Catholic priest known for his public work as an exorcist, is undertaking a one-year "media fast" at the request of Denver Archbishop James Golka. The break from public speaking and interviews, which have garnered millions of views online, will allow Ripperger to dedicate his time to the Society of the Most Sorrowful Mother, a semi-contemplative religious community he founded.
The archdiocese announced the decision on Monday, stating that Archbishop Golka is grateful for Ripperger's "priestly service, exorcism ministry and for the generous spirit in which he received this request." The arrangement will be reviewed at the end of the year.
Efforts to obtain further details from Ripperger or the archdiocese regarding the specific reasons for the archbishop's request were not immediately successful. This development follows a period where interest in exorcism has been highlighted in various church communications.
Ripperger has previously made public statements on topics such as the nature of UFO sightings, suggesting they could be demonic manifestations, and has questioned scientific theories like evolution. He has appeared on various media platforms, including "The Shawn Ryan Show" and "The Tucker Carlson Show."
In a separate development, the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey, issued a memo to its priests regarding handling parishioners' concerns about demonic influence. The memo advised priests to treat individuals with respect, encourage participation in church activities, and avoid involvement with occult practices. It stipulated that if a parishioner continues to exhibit signs of demonic influence after appropriate spiritual care, priests should consult the Vicar General's Office to assess the need for an exorcism. The instruction also noted that popular culture often misrepresents exorcism as a fictional genre rather than a pastoral act of the Church.
The Catholic Church formally recognizes exorcism as a spiritual ministry. However, managing priests with significant online followings presents a complex challenge for church leadership, according to Massimo Faggioli, a theology professor at Villanova University. Faggioli noted that such situations highlight a lack of clear canon law and understanding regarding the Church's online presence, and can lead to issues where influence becomes centered on charismatic individuals rather than broader church teachings.