Former U.S. Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan recently hosted a four-hour podcast discussion with Fr. Chad Ripperger, a Catholic exorcist and founder of the Doloran Fathers. During the interview, Ripperger detailed various forms of diabolic influence, emphasizing how these forces are increasingly targeting modern society—particularly families that have historically lived morally upright lives.
Ripperger identified multiple categories of demonic activity: infestation, where evil spirits inhabit locations or objects; ordinary temptation, which subtly manipulates thoughts and emotions; and diabolic obsession, a more severe form that leads to spiritual tunnel vision. He noted that while some individuals may experience temporary reprieves from possession, prolonged influence can culminate in grave sins or full possession.
The priest also discussed the process of exorcism, explaining that it involves prayers, Mass, and specific rituals designed to bind demons and restore the individual to Christ. According to Ripperger, the Catholic Church requires thorough medical, psychological, and psychiatric evaluations before referring a person to an exorcist, and major exorcisms can only be performed by bishops or authorized priests.
In a particularly alarming revelation, Ripperger linked demonic activity directly to abortion practices. He stated that demons are “so wed to” the widespread practice of abortion because it denies children the opportunity for baptism—a sacrament essential for salvation. “We know of no other means of their salvation other than baptism,” he said. “This is why the Church considered it so evil.” Ripperger added that obtaining an abortion is an excommunicable offense in Catholicism, as it “permanently robs a person of the possibility of the beatific vision.”
Ripperger also addressed concerns about extraterrestrial phenomena, suggesting that many alien abduction accounts mirror demonic encounters. He argued that if the “alien aspect” is removed, what remains are essentially demons acting through supernatural means.
The interview highlighted Ripperger’s growing concern over the moral climate in society and its implications for spiritual warfare, particularly as abortion rates continue to rise. In the first half of 2025 alone, approximately 600,000 abortions occurred.
Ripperger stressed the importance of remaining faithful: “It is critical… that believers ‘follow Christ regardless of the personal cost.'”
