The Possession and Death of Anneliese Michel

Anneliese Michel died on July 1, 1976, after ten months of exorcisms. Her case became one of the most controversial in modern possession history, leading to criminal convictions and inspiring multiple films.

Background

Born in 1952, Anneliese began suffering from seizures at sixteen. She was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy, but by 1973, she believed she was possessed. She reported seeing demonic faces and hearing voices.

The Exorcisms

In 1975, Bishop Josef Stangl authorized exorcism. Two priests performed sixty-seven sessions over ten months. Anneliese claimed possession by multiple demons including Lucifer, Cain, and Hitler. She refused to eat, believing the demons would not allow it.

The Death

Anneliese died weighing only 68 pounds. The autopsy revealed death by starvation and dehydration.

Legal Aftermath

Her parents and the priests were convicted of negligent homicide. The case prompted the Catholic Church to revise exorcism guidelines, requiring medical evaluation first.

Anneliese’s grave has become a pilgrimage site for some Catholics who view her as a martyr. Her case inspired “The Exorcism of Emily Rose.”