Demonic possession: What the Church teaches and how it distinguishes from illness
By Prof. Dr. Daniel C. Afonso · Updated
Demonic possession is the rare state in which the demon dominates a person’s body to an extraordinary degree, without being able to rob them of their soul’s freedom. The Church acknowledges its existence, as Christ himself freed possessed individuals in the Gospels, but urges great caution: before considering possession, one must be certain it is not a disease, especially a psychic one (Catechism, n. 1673). Only a priest authorized by the bishop may perform an exorcism.
In summary
- What it is: an extraordinary dominion of the devil over someone’s body. The ordinary action of the devil is temptation, which all suffer.
- In the Bible: Jesus liberates the possessed (Mk 1:23-26; Mk 5:1-20; Mk 9:14-29), and the apostles as well (Acts 16:16-18).
- The signs: The 1999 ritual cites speaking in unknown tongues, revealing hidden things, and having extraordinary powers, but states that these are only “some indication.”
- The first step: Seek medical and psychological help, as well as a priest.
- The defense of the Christian: the sacramental life, prayer, and trust in Christ, who has already conquered evil.
What is Possession According to the Church?
The Church teaches that demons are created good angels who became evil by their own choice (Fourth Lateran Council, DS 800). Their action is real but limited: “Satan’s power is not infinite. Satan is a mere creature […] powerless to prevent the building up of the Kingdom of God” (Catechism, n. 395).
Catholic authors on demonology often distinguish degrees of the demon’s action. This distinction is of pastoral tradition, not a defined teaching:
- Temptation: the ordinary action, which all suffer and which is overcome by grace.
- Infestation: phenomena associated with places or objects.
- Distress: physical sufferings caused from without.
- Obsession: Persistent, intrusive thoughts and impulses that the individual cannot resist or control.
- Possession: the domination of the body, in which the person, during crises, does not control what they say or do.
What is often referred to as “the three phases of possession” are simplifications of this list. The ritual of the Church does not speak of phases.
What the Bible Says About Possession
The Bible does not address possession in the context of demonic or spiritual control as commonly understood today. The concept of possession is not a central theme in biblical theology. Instead, the Bible offers guidance on various aspects of spiritual well-being, deliverance, and the nature of good and evil.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew term rûah (רוח) is often translated as “spirit” and can refer to both divine and human spirits, as well as the spirit of an animal. It is associated with life, power, and the presence of God. The Bible also speaks of evil spirits or demons, which are sometimes described as possessing individuals (e.g., 2 Kings 18:4). However, these passages describe demonic influence or possession as a form of divine judgment or punishment.
In the New Testament, the term “possession” is not used directly. Instead, the Bible focuses on the work of Jesus Christ in delivering people from various forms of spiritual bondage, including sin, death, and the power of the devil (e.g., Luke 4:18). The book of Acts records instances of demonic possession being cast out by the apostles (e.g., Acts 5:1-10).
The Bible teaches that individuals can be set free from the power of sin and evil through faith in Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. This freedom is a central theme in the gospel message, emphasizing the transformative power of God’s grace in the lives of believers.
The Gospels show Jesus liberating the possessed as a sign that the Kingdom of God has come.
- In the synagogue at Capernaum, Jesus commands the unclean spirit to be silent and to depart (Mk 1:23-26).The Gerasene, who lived in the tombs and was called “Legion,” is released, and the demons enter the pigs (Mk 5:1-20). See In regionem Gerasenorum: the exorcism and the pigs.The boy that the disciples could not free: “This kind cannot come out but by prayer” (Mk 9:29).
- Mary Magdalene, from whom “seven demons had gone out” (Lk 8,2). Paul, in Philippi, liberates a young woman “in the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 16:16-18).
The New Testament also distinguishes possession from illness. Matthew speaks of “demoniaced, epileptics, and paralitics” as different cases (Mt 4:24).
The signs that the Church considers
The ritual of exorcism, De exorcismis et supplicationibus quibusdam (1999), provides, “according to proven practice,” the traditional signs:
- speaking many words in a language unknown to them or understanding those who speak it;to reveal distant or hidden things;display powers above one’s age or natural condition.
But the same ritual states that these signs give only “some indication” (indicium quoddam). It asks that one pay attention above all to moral and spiritual signs, such as a strong aversion to God, to the name of Jesus, to the Virgin Mary and the saints, to the Church, to the Word of God, and to sacred things, especially the sacraments (De exorcismis, n. 16).
The ritual also warns that no one should be considered possessed merely because they claim to be, “for anyone can be deceived by their own imagination.”
Possession or illness?
This is the point on which the Church insists most:
“Very different is the case of illnesses, especially psychic ones, whose treatment depends on medical science. Therefore, before proceeding with an exorcism, it is important to be certain that it is a case of demonic presence and not a disease” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1673).
The exorcist cannot proceed without “moral certainty” that the person is truly possessed (De exorcismis, n. 16). Therefore, exorcists work with doctors and psychologists, and many of the cases that come to them are illnesses that require treatment.
If you or someone close to you is suffering, the path is to seek at the same time a doctor and a priest from your parish. If the priest deems it necessary, he will refer the case to the exorcist of the diocese. One must never turn to those who charge for “liberations” or promise cures.
How the Christian Defends Himself Against Evil
The ordinary weapon against the devil is the Christian life: confession, the Eucharist, prayer, the Word of God, and recourse to the Virgin Mary and the angels. The Lord’s Prayer ends with “deliver us from evil,” and the prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel can be prayed by all.
Proper exorcism can only be performed by an authorized priest. See Exorcism in the Catholic Church: What It Is, Who Can Perform It, and How the Rite Is Conducted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quais são os sinais de possessão demoníaca?
O ritual de 1999 cita falar ou entender uma língua desconhecida, revelar coisas distantes ou ocultas e mostrar forças fora do comum. Diz, porém, que são só «algum indício» e que pesam mais os sinais morais e espirituais, como a aversão veemente a Deus, a Maria, aos santos e aos sacramentos. Antes de tudo, é preciso descartar uma doença.
O que a Bíblia diz sobre possessão demoníaca?
Os Evangelhos mostram Jesus libertando possessos, como o homem da sinagoga de Cafarnaum (Mc 1,23-26), o geraseno (Mc 5,1-20) e o menino que os discípulos não libertaram (Mc 9,14-29). Os Atos mostram Paulo libertando uma jovem em nome de Jesus (At 16,16-18). Mateus distingue os endemoninhados dos doentes (Mt 4,24).
Quais são as 3 fases da possessão?
O ritual da Igreja não fala de fases. Os autores de demonologia distinguem graus da ação do demônio (tentação, infestação, vexação, obsessão e possessão), e as «três fases» que circulam na internet são simplificações dessa lista.
Como fica uma pessoa possuída?
Segundo os relatos dos exorcistas, durante as crises a pessoa não controla o que diz ou faz e pode reagir com violência ao sagrado. Fora das crises, costuma levar uma vida normal. A Igreja pede muita prudência, porque sintomas parecidos aparecem em várias doenças.
Uma pessoa possuída é culpada?
Não necessariamente. A possessão não é pecado da pessoa e não lhe tira a liberdade da alma. Ela pode e deve continuar a rezar e a frequentar os sacramentos.
O que fazer se eu suspeito de possessão?
Procurar um médico e um sacerdote da sua paróquia. Se for necessário, o padre encaminha o caso ao exorcista autorizado pelo bispo. Desconfie de quem cobra por libertações.
References
- BIBLE (Sacred): Matthew 4:24; Mark 1:23-26; 5:1-20; 9:14-29; Luke 8:2; Acts 16:16-18.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 395 and 1673. Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments. On Exorcisms and Certain Prayers. Vatican City: Vatican Press, 1999, pp. 14-16.Fourth Lateran Council (1215), cap. 1 (DS 800).
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