Father Gary Thomas announces one-year media fast after meeting Archbishop Golka

Father Gary Thomas, a Catholic priest known for his high‑profile exorcism ministry, will pause all media work for a year after a meeting with Denver Archbishop James Golka, the archbishop said on Tuesday. Thomas, who hosts a popular podcast, appears on television shows and runs a YouTube channel that draws thousands of viewers, will stop posting, speaking publicly and conducting televised exorcisms for twelve months.

The decision comes amid growing scrutiny of sensationalist exorcism practices within the Church. In recent years, bishops have warned that media‑driven exorcisms can mislead the faithful and blur the line between pastoral care and entertainment. Pope Francis issued new guidelines in 2021 urging clergy to handle demonic possession cases discreetly and to avoid public spectacle. Thomas’s rise to fame – he has more than 250,000 followers across platforms and has been featured on programs such as “The Exorcist Files” and “The 700 Club” – has drawn both admiration and criticism. Some dioceses have limited his activities, and a 2023 investigation by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops highlighted concerns about the theological accuracy of his presentations.

Archbishop Golka said the media fast is meant to give Thomas space for spiritual renewal and to ensure his ministry aligns with Church teaching. “A period of silence can be a powerful form of prayer,” Golka told reporters. Thomas released a brief statement confirming he will step back from all public exorcism content, continue his parish duties in the Denver archdiocese and meet regularly with a spiritual director. Supporters expressed disappointment, fearing the pause will silence a voice that brings awareness to demonic oppression. Critics welcomed the move, saying it may curb sensationalism and protect vulnerable believers.

The archdiocese will review Thomas’s activities after the year ends and decide whether he can resume public exorcism work. In the meantime, Thomas will focus on pastoral care within his local parish, and the Church hopes the break will model humility and discernment for other clergy drawn into media attention. The outcome could set a precedent for how the Catholic hierarchy manages high‑profile ministries in the digital age.