Denver Archdiocese Offers Limited Explanation; The Dallas Express Seeks Answers and Invites Readers to Share How His Ministry Has Influenced Their Faith
Father Chad Ripperger, a Catholic priest and exorcist whose teachings on spiritual warfare, morality and Catholic doctrine have drawn millions of views through online interviews, has agreed to a one-year pause from public speaking and interviews at the request of Denver Archbishop James R. Golka, the archdiocese said Monday.
The development, which LifeSiteNews reported Monday, raises questions about the future of a prominent public voice whose discussions of Catholic teaching have attracted attention well beyond traditional religious audiences.
Ripperger withdrew from an April 2027 speaking engagement, citing a restriction that he indicated would remain in effect until September 2027, LifeSiteNews reported.
The Archdiocese of Denver confirmed that Golka met with Ripperger to discuss his ministry and the Society of the Most Sorrowful Mother, the community associated with his work.
Archdiocesan communications director Kelly Clark told LifeSiteNews that Golka requested a one-year pause to allow Ripperger to concentrate on the Society and those it serves. The archdiocese said Ripperger agreed and that the archbishop and priest would review the arrangement after one year.
The statement did not identify misconduct or announce a formal disciplinary finding.
A Catholic voice reaching millions
Ripperger’s public platform extends beyond traditional Catholic media.
His appearances on The Shawn Ryan Show and with Tucker Carlson have introduced discussions of Catholic teaching, exorcism, spiritual warfare and the supernatural through videos with millions of views.
One example is former Navy SEAL and podcaster Shawn Ryan, who publicly discussed returning to the Catholic Church in July 2026 after hosting conversations about Catholicism and spiritual warfare, including interviews with Ripperger, LifeSiteNews reported.
Although Ryan’s account does not establish that Ripperger alone prompted his return, the public conversations illustrate how Catholic teaching is reaching audiences outside traditional religious institutions. What remains unknown is how many individuals have entered or returned to the Catholic Church specifically because of Ripperger’s ministry.
That is a question The Dallas Express hopes to explore through firsthand accounts.
The Dallas Express has also explored prayer and deliverance in a Let’s Talk Local conversation with Christian Union founder Matt Bennett.
Denver archbishop’s decision draws questions
Golka became the sixth archbishop of Denver in March 2026, following his appointment by Pope Leo XIV. The Catholic Church entrusts bishops with oversight of priests and ministries within their jurisdiction, including matters involving public teaching.
However, the decision to pause Ripperger’s speaking and interview engagements has prompted questions about its scope, particularly given the considerable audience his ministry has developed. The archdiocese has publicly characterized the arrangement as a mutually agreed-upon period of renewed attention to his religious community.
It has not publicly identified an additional reason for the request.
Meet the archbishop:
The Dallas Express requests direct explanation
On October 19, The Dallas Express co-founder Sarah Zubiate-Bennett contacted the Archdiocese of Denver requesting an explanation for the decision affecting Father Ripperger’s public speaking engagements. Zubiate-Bennett left a voicemail requesting a return call and clarification of the circumstances surrounding the one-year pause.
A representative identifying herself as Cindy subsequently returned Zubiate-Bennett’s call and directed her to the archdiocese’s most recent public statement. According to Zubiate-Bennett’s account of the message, Cindy said, “For now, we don’t have any further information.”
The Dallas Express is seeking clarification on whether the arrangement is voluntary or obligatory, which public activities it covers and whether the archdiocese will release additional information.
Has Father Ripperger’s ministry changed your faith?
Beyond the decision itself is another important question: How many people have drawn closer to their Christian faith because of Father Chad Ripperger’s public ministry?
The Dallas Express wants to hear from readers who have experienced that influence firsthand. Have his interviews or teachings encouraged you to attend Mass, return to confession, explore Catholicism, pursue baptism or confirmation, or deepen your relationship with God?
Were you previously outside the Christian faith before encountering his work? The Dallas Express also welcomes firsthand information about canceled engagements, communications concerning the speaking pause or other verifiable developments related to the decision.
We want to hear your story. Contact The Dallas Express at [email protected] or 469-210-8445, extension 101. Please include relevant details and supporting documentation. The Dallas Express will continue seeking answers from the Archdiocese of Denver while examining the broader impact of Ripperger’s ministry.
