In Catholic teaching, exorcism is a solemn rite performed to expel demons or evil spirits from a person believed to be under demonic influence. The Church distinguishes between ordinary spiritual struggles and rare cases of true demonic possession, which require careful discernment. Authorized priests, such as trained exorcists appointed by a bishop, may perform the Rite of Exorcism using prayers, scripture, and sacramentals. Catholic belief holds that Christ ultimately has authority over evil, and exorcism is understood as a ministry of liberation through that divine power.