Anneliese Michel

Anneliese Michel (1952-1976) was a German Catholic woman whose case became one of the most well-documented exorcism incidents in modern religious history. Suffering from seizures, depression, and other medical and psychological ailments, Michel and her family sought spiritual intervention from the Catholic Church, believing she was possessed by demonic forces. Between 1975 and 1976, she underwent a series of exorcism rituals performed by Catholic priests. Her case generated significant controversy regarding the intersection of mental illness, religious belief, and medical treatment. Tragically, Michel died in 1976 under circumstances that remain disputed—whether from malnutrition, her underlying conditions, or the effects of the exorcism process itself. Her story has since become a cultural touchstone in discussions about faith, medicine, and the dangers of prioritizing religious intervention over medical care. The 2005 film 'The Exorcism of Emily Rose' was loosely based on her case, ensuring her story remains known to contemporary audiences and continuing debates about religious and medical ethics.