Annelise Michel

Annelise Michel (September 21, 1952 – July 1, 1976) was a German Catholic woman whose case became one of the most famous and tragic examples of alleged demonic possession in modern times. Beginning in 1973, Michel experienced increasingly severe psychological and physical symptoms that she and her family attributed to demonic possession, including violent convulsions, speaking in multiple languages she had not studied, and violent behavior. Her parents, deeply devout Catholics, sought help from the Church, and in 1975, the Catholic Diocese of Würzburg authorized two priests to perform an exorcism. Over the course of ten months, approximately 67 exorcism sessions were conducted. Michel's condition deteriorated dramatically during this period, and she died in July 1976 from severe malnourishment and dehydration, weighing only 68 pounds. The circumstances of her death led to a criminal investigation and trial of the priests and her parents. Medical experts have since suggested Michel likely suffered from severe mental illness, possibly schizophrenia or dissociative identity disorder, conditions that were misinterpreted through a religious lens. Her case remains profoundly controversial and tragic, raising critical questions about the intersection of mental health, religious belief, and medical ethics. It has inspired numerous documentaries, films, and academic studies examining what happened and the lessons it offers about recognizing and treating mental illness.