Father Chad Ripperger, one of the most recognizable Catholic exorcists in the United States, will step away from public speaking and media appearances for one year following a request from Archbishop James Golka of Denver, a decision that has sparked widespread discussion among Catholics familiar with the priest’s ministry.
The announcement comes after Ripperger reached millions of viewers through high-profile podcast interviews discussing exorcism, spiritual warfare, and the Catholic Church’s teachings on the supernatural.
According to EWTN News and the National Catholic Register, the Archdiocese of Denver confirmed that Archbishop Golka recently met with Ripperger to discuss his priestly ministry and the Society of the Most Sorrowful Mother, the religious community he founded.
During that meeting, the archbishop requested that Ripperger temporarily withdraw from public speaking engagements and interviews.
“During that conversation, the Archbishop asked Fr. Ripperger to consider a one-year fast from public speaking and interviews,” said Kelly Clark, director of communications for the Archdiocese of Denver.
“The time will allow him to devote himself to the Society and to the people it serves,” Clark continued. “Fr. Ripperger readily agreed. At the end of the year, they will review the arrangement together.”
The archdiocese also expressed appreciation for Ripperger’s ministry and his willingness to accept the request.
“Archbishop Golka is grateful for Fr. Ripperger’s priestly service, exorcism ministry, and for the generous spirit in which he received this request,” the statement said. “We ask the faithful to join us in praying for Fr. Ripperger and for the Society.”
The statement did not identify any misconduct or doctrinal concerns involving Ripperger, nor did it explain whether the arrangement constitutes a disciplinary measure.
Public Appearances and Speaking Engagements Canceled
While the archdiocese characterized the decision as a temporary withdrawal from public speaking and interviews, additional reporting suggests the restrictions may extend beyond those activities.
According to LifeSiteNews, Ripperger has canceled several previously scheduled engagements, including an appearance at the outlet’s 30th anniversary gala on April 24, 2027.
LifeSiteNews reported that Ripperger personally confirmed he would be unable to attend the event.
“The Archbishop has asked me to take a break on public speaking,” Ripperger wrote in correspondence reported by the outlet.
When LifeSiteNews asked whether he could instead provide a recorded video message or written contribution, the priest declined and directed further questions to the Archdiocese of Denver.
LifeSiteNews also reported that the restrictions appear to include public appearances, online homilies, and written publications.
However, the archdiocese’s official statement specifically addresses public speaking and interviews and does not publicly clarify the full scope of the arrangement or whether Ripperger’s other priestly responsibilities will be affected.
In another development, LifeSiteNews reported that Ripperger’s profile in the archdiocese’s online clergy directory briefly identified him as “retired.” According to the outlet, that designation was subsequently removed after a screenshot circulated on social media.
The archdiocese has not publicly explained the temporary designation.
Millions Encountered His Ministry Through Popular Podcasts
The decision follows a period of extraordinary public exposure for Ripperger, whose discussions of spiritual warfare and demonic activity have attracted audiences far beyond traditional Catholic media.
In April 2026, Ripperger appeared on Tucker Carlson’s podcast for a nearly two-hour conversation exploring the existence of demons, the ministry of exorcism, psychology, and the spiritual realities described in Scripture.
During the interview, he questioned why some Christians profess belief in God while rejecting the existence of the devil.
“A lot of the Christians will just say, ‘Well, I believe in God, but I don’t necessarily believe in the devil,'” Ripperger told Carlson, according to EWTN News.
The interview attracted more than three million YouTube views, according to figures reported by LifeSiteNews.
Ripperger also appeared twice on the Shawn Ryan Show in 2026, including a lengthy March conversation that explored spiritual warfare, the Antichrist, and reports of unexplained phenomena.
During that appearance, he suggested that some alleged alien abduction experiences might have demonic explanations.
His July return to the program attracted another substantial audience, with LifeSiteNews reporting approximately 2.7 million YouTube views.
The interviews brought Ripperger’s teachings to viewers who might otherwise have little exposure to Catholic discussions about exorcism or the spiritual world.
LifeSiteNews also reported that Ryan subsequently spoke publicly about returning to his Catholic faith following his conversation with the priest.
Nevertheless, neither Archbishop Golka nor the Archdiocese of Denver has indicated that Ripperger’s podcast appearances or specific statements prompted the request for a yearlong break.
Who Is Father Chad Ripperger?
Ripperger, 61, was ordained to the priesthood in 1997 for the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, a society of apostolic life known for celebrating the traditional Latin liturgy.
In 2012, he founded the Society of the Most Sorrowful Mother, commonly known as the Doloran Fathers.
Based in Keenesburg, Colorado, the community combines a semi-contemplative priestly life with ministry focused on spiritual warfare and the traditional Catholic liturgy.
Ripperger has served within the Archdiocese of Denver since 2016.
Over the years, he has become a prominent voice on Catholic spirituality, particularly through lectures, interviews, and books addressing spiritual warfare, prayer, psychology, and the discernment of spiritual influences.
His published works include Deliverance Prayers for Use by the Laity, Dominion, and Introduction to the Science of Mental Health.
His ministry has also drawn attention to the Church’s longstanding teaching on the existence of Satan and demons, as well as its carefully regulated practice of exorcism.
A Growing Debate Over Exorcists in the Public Spotlight
Ripperger’s temporary withdrawal comes amid broader conversations within the Catholic Church about how priests involved in exorcism should communicate their experiences to the public.
According to a July report by the National Catholic Register, Catholic clergy and specialists have expressed differing views about the increasing visibility of exorcists on podcasts and other digital platforms.
Some believe these conversations can educate Catholics about spiritual realities and help audiences better understand the Church’s ministry.
Others have cautioned that sensational discussions of demonic activity can generate unnecessary fear or distract from the central message of Christianity: the saving power of Jesus Christ.
The Church recognizes the reality of demonic influence while emphasizing that solemn exorcisms must be conducted by priests who have received specific authorization from their bishop.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1673, explains that exorcism is directed toward protection from the power of the Evil One through the spiritual authority entrusted to the Church.
The current discussion also follows another notable development involving a Catholic exorcist.
According to EWTN News, Monsignor Stephen Rossetti was removed from his position as an exorcist in the Archdiocese of Washington on June 3, 2026.
Rossetti had previously discussed his belief that some reported UFO sightings could have demonic origins.
However, no official connection has been established between the two priests’ situations.
LifeSiteNews also reported speculation about possible future guidelines from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops concerning public appearances by exorcists. No confirmed policy or official connection to Ripperger’s situation was identified in the reporting.
Catholic Reactions and a Petition to Restore His Public Ministry
The announcement has prompted concern among supporters who believe Ripperger’s public teaching has helped Catholics deepen their understanding of spiritual warfare and their faith.
LifeSiteNews has launched a petition addressed to Archbishop Golka requesting that Ripperger be permitted to resume his public ministry.
The petition argues that his lectures, writings, and interviews have benefited many Catholics and introduced millions of others to Catholic teaching.
It also reflects the disappointment of supporters who believe his absence from public platforms will leave a significant gap in contemporary Catholic discussions of spiritual warfare.
At the same time, the archdiocese has presented the arrangement as an opportunity for Ripperger to devote greater attention to his priestly community and the people it serves.
The official statement emphasizes that Ripperger accepted the archbishop’s request and that both men intend to revisit the arrangement after one year.
For now, the precise reasons behind the request remain undisclosed, and the full extent of the restrictions has not been publicly clarified by the archdiocese.
What is clear is that one of America’s most prominent Catholic voices on exorcism will be stepping away from public speaking at a time when interest in his ministry has reached millions.
As Catholics continue to discuss the decision, the Archdiocese of Denver has asked the faithful to remember both Father Ripperger and the Society of the Most Sorrowful Mother in prayer.
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