Demonic Possession in the Catholic Church
Types of Demonic Influence in Catholic Teaching
There are two major ways that demons influence people, according to Catholic teaching. Demonic possession, the most famous and serious condition, is when a demon takes complete control of a human being’s mind and body. Demonic obsession, or influence, is when a demon tempts an individual repeatedly in attempts to lead him or her into hurting self or others.
Demonic Possession in the Catholic Church
Demonic possession of Exorcist fame is the most serious form of demonic influence. An individual loses all control over himself/herself when possessed by the devil and is like a puppet moved by a demonic hand. Friends or family members may not recognize the individual's words or behavior, as he/she appears to be a completely different person.
Signs of demonic possession may include:
•Speaking in languages the individual has never learned or even heard
•Saying things that do not make sense
•Physical strength above and beyond what the individual is capable of medically
•Loathing the name of God, Jesus, Mary, or the names of any saints or other religious individuals
•Pain or physical discomfort when Scripture or prayers are read or the sacraments performed
Individuals deemed possessed by the Catholic Church may undergo an exorcism, a ritual of casting out the demon or demons present and healing the possessed individual. Demonic possessions are rare, but not unheard of. Vatican exorcist Fr. Amorth estimates he has performed over 70,000 exorcisms throughout his career (Neill and Messia, "Top Vatican Exorcist," CNN News, March 17, 2010).
Sources:
Burnell, Paul. “Exorcisms of the Rise.” National Catholic Register, June 4-10, 2000. Available online through the Catholic Education Resource Center, April 2010.
Neill, Morgan and Hada Messia, “Top Catholic Exorcist: Pedophiles Tempted by Satan, Not Possessed.” CNN News, March 17, 2010. Available online through the CNN World website, April 2010.