The Tragic Story of Anneliese Michel

Gravestone of Anneliese Michel in Klingenberg am Main, Bavaria, West Germany

Anneliese Michel was a young German woman who died in 1976 after undergoing 67 Catholic exorcism rites. Her case has been the subject of much debate and controversy, with some people believing that she was truly possessed by a demon, while others believe that her symptoms were caused by a mental illness.

Michel was born in Leiblfing, Germany, in 1952. She was a devout Catholic and a good student. In 1967, when she was 15 years old, she began to experience a series of strange symptoms, including convulsions, vomiting, and fits of rage. She also began to see and hear things that were not there.

Michel's doctors diagnosed her with epilepsy and prescribed medication, but her symptoms did not improve. In 1973, her family began to believe that she was possessed by a demon. They took her to see a number of priests, but none of them were willing to perform an exorcism. Finally, in 1975, two priests agreed to perform the exorcisms.

Anneliese Michel before and after exorcism

The exorcisms lasted for ten months. During that time, Michel's symptoms worsened. She stopped eating and drinking, and she became increasingly emaciated. She also began to speak in different voices and to make animal noises.

On July 1, 1976, Michel died of malnutrition and dehydration. Her parents and the two priests who performed the exorcisms were charged with negligent homicide. They were convicted and sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for three years.

The case of Anneliese Michel has been the subject of much debate and controversy. Some people believe that she was truly possessed by a demon, while others believe that her symptoms were caused by a mental illness. There is no easy answer to this question, but the case remains a fascinating and tragic one.

Those who believe that Michel was possessed point to her symptoms, which were consistent with those of demonic possession. They also point to the fact that she was a devout Catholic and that she had a history of religious experiences.

Those who believe that Michel's symptoms were caused by a mental illness point to the fact that she had been diagnosed with epilepsy and that she had been treated with medication for her symptoms. They also point to the fact that her symptoms worsened after she stopped taking medication.

The case of Anneliese Michel is a complex one, and there is no easy answer to the question of what caused her death. However, her story raises important questions about the nature of demonic possession and the role of religion in healing. It is a story that continues to fascinate and disturb people to this day.

In addition to the debate about the cause of her illness, the case of Anneliese Michel has also been criticized for the way in which it was handled. Some people believe that the exorcisms should never have been performed, and that they contributed to her death. Others believe that the priests who performed the exorcisms were not qualified to do so, and that they should have sought more medical help for Michel.

The case of Anneliese Michel is a reminder of the power of religious belief, and the dangers of relying on faith alone to heal the sick. It is also a reminder of the importance of seeking medical help when someone is experiencing mental or physical illness.

The story of Anneliese Michel has been the inspiration for several films, including "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" (2004) and "Requiem" (2006). It has also been the subject of books and documentaries. The case continues to be a source of fascination and debate, and it is likely to continue to be so for many years to come.