Question:
Answer:
The fact that demonic possession is possible is taken for granted by the Gospels (Luke 8:2, 11:24). Jesus is described as expelling demons from individuals (Matt. 4:23, 8:16, 9:32, 12:22) and conversing with the demons in possessed individuals (Matt. 8:31-21, Mark 5:9).
Part of early Christian apologetics was their claim that Christians could command demons who possessed individuals but the pagans could not (see Tertullian’s Apology).
The fact that a ritual of exorcism for possessed persons has consistently been included in the Roman Ritual also testifies to the reality of demon possession.
The Church does not require any Catholic to accept that any particular person is actually possessed or any past case was judged correctly, but the Church does teach that demonic possession is a real possibility.
Further reading: Catholic Answers’ Interview with an Exorcist.