Ghosts: What Does the Church Teach? (Purgatory vs. Demons)

A "ghost" is a disembodied spirit. The Church teaches there are three types:

1. Holy Souls (Purgatory)

God can permit a soul from Purgatory to visit earth to ask for prayers.

• They usually bring a sense of sadness but not fear.
• They ask for Masses or prayers.
• Padre Pio said he saw more souls from Purgatory than living people.

2. Damned Souls (Hell)

Extremely rare. They cannot leave hell unless God permits it as a warning.

3. Demons (Fallen Angels)

Most "hauntings" or poltergeist activity are demonic.

• They bring coldness, fear, foul odors (sulfur/rotting meat), and confusion.
• They often mimic dead relatives to trick you into communicating with them (necromancy).

Rule of Thumb

Never seek communication with the dead. It is forbidden (Deuteronomy 18). If you see something:

1. Do not be afraid.
2. Say: "In the name of Jesus, if you are a soul in Purgatory, I will pray for you. Go in peace."
3. Pray for them.
4. If it persists or gets violent, call a priest.

Pray for the dead, don't talk to them. Offer a Mass for the Holy Souls on the MyPrayerTower app.