Warning: SPOILERS for Punisher #7Marvel's Daredevil is one of the few superheroes who has a very strong belief in God thanks to his Catholic faith, but his latest tactic for defeating the Punisher goes against that very religion, and it's entirely Doctor Strange's fault. The Man Without Fear may have superpowers, but doesn't usually fight the otherworldly creatures and world-conquerors like Dormammu that Doctor Strange battles on a regular basis; even so, Stephen Strange can provide a unique advantage against the Punisher. This occurs in Punisher #7, in which Daredevil uses a very specific magic spell - and in the process, proves he's not as devout a Catholic as he appears to be.
In current comics continuity, the Punisher is no longer the lone wolf he once was; he now leads an army of ninjas as the High Slayer of the Hand. Meanwhile, Daredevil (after suffering a death in the family in the aftermath of the Devil's Reign crossover event) learns the Punisher has allied himself with a criminal organization, and is rightfully shocked, confused and angry. He also learns the Punisher has powers beyond mortal men, granted to him by the mysterious Beast of the Hand. Daredevil has heightened senses but no super-strength of his own, and cannot hope to beat the Punisher in a one-on-one fight - which is why he came prepared.
In Punisher #7, written by Jason Aaron, Jesus Saiz & Paul Azaceta, Daredevil is barely holding his own against the Punisher's wrath. Daredevil isn't aware that the High Priestess of the Hand has resurrected the Punisher's wife, clouding his judgment. But Daredevil takes out a cross and prepares his strategy, gifted to him by Doctor Strange. "It's an exorcism spell" he says to a rampaging Castle. "And I expect it's going to hurt." Daredevil begins to say the incantation, but to no avail - the Punisher isn't possessed by the Beast, he's using the Beast. He's entirely in control of his own actions, and Daredevil is helpless to stop him.
Daredevil's Exorcism Goes Against His Religion
Catholics would bristle at the thought of using magic or witchcraft of any kind, even to defeat an evil. Despite Daredevil's faith, his use of the exorcism spell proves he isn't as adherent to doctrine as he ought to be. Additionally, he swears, has sex before marriage, and uses violence to solve his problems. It must be noted that Daredevil is acutely aware of his own faults: in Marvel's recent Judgment Day crossover event, the Progenitor Celestial appeared before him as Jesus Christ and judged him a failure. Daredevil merely said "I know" to the image and continued to fight.
At the end of the issue, the Punisher uses his powers to fly; Daredevil is utterly unable to help him. However, Frank Castle is not without hope, because he allows Matt Murdock to flee the Hand's compound rather than apprehend him or kill him. Daredevil knows he cannot use the exorcism spell against the Punisher again, but perhaps it is for the best for all parties involved; Doctor Strange's specialty is magic and Daredevil's area of expertise is reaching people on a more human level.