The Archbishop of Denver (United States), James Golka, has asked the priest and well-known exorcist Chad Ripperger to suspend his public lectures and interviews for one year. The measure, first reported by LifeSiteNews and later confirmed by the archdiocese itself, represents the temporary withdrawal of one of the most prominent voices in traditional American Catholicism. Ripperger himself confirmed to the U.S. outlet that the archbishop had requested he cease his public appearances.
The Archdiocese of Denver confirms the measure
In an official statement, the Archdiocese of Denver explained that Bishop Golka recently met with Ripperger to discuss his priestly ministry and the Society of the Most Sorrowful Mother (Society of the Most Sorrowful Mother), the community founded by the exorcist and known as the Doloran Fathers.
During the conversation, the archbishop proposed a one-year “fast” from public lectures and interviews, so that Ripperger could devote more time to his community and the people he serves.
The archdiocese stated that Ripperger willingly accepted the request and clarified that, once the year has passed, both will review the situation.
Golka also expressed gratitude for the exorcist’s priestly service, his ministry, and the willingness with which he received the request. The statement concludes by inviting the faithful to pray for Ripperger and his community.
The archdiocese did not detail the circumstances that prompted the request nor announce any canonical sanctions against the priest.
Read also: Profile of James Golka, new Bishop of Denver
Ripperger cancels his public commitments
LifeSiteNews, which contacted the priest directly, reported that Ripperger informed them he would be unable to participate in the outlet’s anniversary celebration scheduled for April of next year.
When asked whether he could replace his in-person appearance with a recorded message or a written statement, the priest also declined and referred questions about the restrictions to the Archbishop of Denver.
The U.S. outlet noted that Ripperger has likewise canceled his scheduled appearances with at least two other organizations.
One of the best-known exorcists in the United States
Father Chad Ripperger was ordained a priest in 1997 for the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP). He later founded the Society of the Most Sorrowful Mother, a priestly community dedicated especially to the ministry of exorcism and spiritual care, which operates within the Archdiocese of Denver.
His career is closely linked to the traditional liturgy, Thomistic philosophy, and teachings on spiritual warfare. He is the author of numerous works, including Deliverance Prayers for Use by the Laity and Dominion, and his lectures are widely circulated on Catholic platforms.
In March of this year, Ripperger gave an extensive interview on the Shawn Ryan Show in which he addressed demonology, the occult, and spiritual warfare. During that conversation he also made serious claims about the moral and spiritual state of certain sectors of the Church hierarchy, which received wide attention.
In recent months, his public presence had extended to audiences outside religious media. In April 2026 he participated in an extensive interview with journalist Tucker Carlson, in which he discussed exorcisms, the occult, and the influence of the devil in contemporary society.
In July he returned to the Shawn Ryan Show, where he delved deeper into topics related to angelology, the sacrifice of the Mass, and spiritual warfare. His appearances on these platforms have accumulated millions of views, making him one of the Catholic priests with the greatest presence on major U.S. podcasts.
The request to suspend these appearances comes after Leo XIV appointed James Golka Archbishop of Denver on February 7, 2026, succeeding Samuel Aquila. Golka had been Bishop of Colorado Springs since 2021, following his appointment by Pope Francis.