Father Chad Ripperger is in the news. He just finished a four hour interview with podcaster, Shawn Ryan where he outlines specific rules, behaviors, and limitations regarding demons based on his experience in spiritual warfare. The interview was fascinating to watch. A broad range of subjects were covered regarding demons and exorcism.
Most people assume that demons are always in a state of rebellion against the law of God and inclined are fixed in a state of license and lawlessness.
On the contrary...One of the most surprising insights that Father Ripperger offers is that demons are subject to follow rules and stay within divinely set boundaries. According to Fr. Ripperger, “Demons cannot do anything without explicit permission from God”. They are strictly regulated, and God uses them to test individuals, which can lead to higher virtue if overcome:
"Their spiritual warfare, the battle, the complexion of spiritual warfare is entirely determined by Christ. How much, who can possess somebody, the degree of the possession, what kinds of manifestations they can do — all those things Christ completely determines, even in relationship to ourselves, the types of temptations that we undergo and that type of thing. Christ is the one who determines what the temptation can be, the degree of the temptation, how long it’s going to go on, et cetera. So they can’t step across the threshold unless he gives them permission" (Fr. Ripperger, Mar 5, 2026).
Based on father Ripperger's interviews, books and talks, here are ten rules and principles that demons must follow:
1. Divine Permission Demons can do nothing without the explicit or permissive will from God. They cannot violate a person's free will or physical integrity unless God allows it for a greater good, such as the person’s sanctification or as a consequence of spiritual openings.
2. The Rule of Hierarchy Demons must obey their superiors in the angelic hierarchy. Because they retained their natural angelic powers after the Fall, a lower-ranking demon (e.g., a fallen Angel or Archangel) is naturally subject to the command of a higher-ranking demon (e.g., a fallen Seraph or Throne).
3. Jurisdiction and Rights Ripperger emphasizes that demons are "legalists." They can only influence a person or location if they have a "right" to be there. This right is usually gained through sin, particularly mortal sin or involvement in the occult.
3. Mortal Sin: Grave sin gives the demon a legal claim either a sin that the victim commits or one that is committed against them. Authority: A person in authority (like a parent) can inadvertently "curse" or open a door for those under their care.
4. Obedience to the Rite of Exorcism When a priest acts in persona Christi (in the person of Christ) using the official rite of exorcism, the demon is legally bound to obey. They must answer specific questions if commanded, such as their name and the date of their departure.
5. Truthfulness Under Command While demons are "liars by nature," Ripperger notes that under the formal adjuration of an exorcism, God compels them to tell the truth regarding spiritual matters or their presence, as they are being subjected to the Truth of Christ.
6. The "Law of the Instrument" Demons often must work through a physical or psychological "medium." They use a person’s memory, imagination, and passions to tempt them, as they do not have direct access to the human intellect or will. They can not read one’s mind.
7. Constraints of the Curse If a demon is sent via a curse or occult ritual, they are often bound by the "terms" of that curse. They remain until the conditions of the curse are broken or the "legal" right is revoked through confession and renunciation.
8. Territorial Boundaries Demons are often tied to specific geographic locations, objects, or lineages. They do not have the omnipresence of God; they are "locally present" where they operate and generally cannot leave their assigned "post" unless driven out or reassigned by a superior.
9. Revelation of Names Revealing a name is a sign of submission. Once a demon is forced to reveal its name to an exorcist, it loses a significant amount of its "legal" protection and power over the victim.
10. Subjection to the Blessed Virgin Mary Demons have a unique, profound "legal" dread of the Virgin Mary. Because of her perfect humility and her role as the Co-Redemptrix, God has given her a unique authority to command demons, which they must obey instantly and without hesitation.
From the Catechism (CCC): 395 The power of Satan is, nonetheless, not infinite. He is only a creature, powerful from the fact that he is pure spirit, but still a creature. He cannot prevent the building up of God's reign. Although Satan may act in the world out of hatred for God and his kingdom in Christ Jesus, and although his action may cause grave injuries - of a spiritual nature and, indirectly, even of a physical nature- to each man and to society, the action is permitted by divine providence which with strength and gentleness guides human and cosmic history. It is a great mystery that providence should permit diabolical activity, but "we know that in everything God works for good with those who love him."
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I am a life-long Catholic, husband, dad, teacher and former football coach. I've been teaching the Catholic Faith to young men, religious educators and catechists since 1998. My academic background, MA is in Theology and Catechetics. Email: garycsulli@gmail.com
