The Possession of Nicole Aubrey

In 1565, a young French woman named Nicole Aubrey of Vervins claimed to be possessed by demons sent by her Protestant grandfather’s ghost. Her exorcism in the cathedral of Laon became a public spectacle used as Catholic propaganda during the Wars of Religion.

The Possession

Nicole began experiencing symptoms after visiting her grandfather’s grave. She claimed his Protestant ghost sent demons to torment her for not praying for his soul (Protestants rejected purgatory and prayers for the dead).

She exhibited classic possession symptoms: speaking in strange voices, superhuman strength, and aversion to sacred objects. She claimed to be possessed by Beelzebub himself.

The Public Exorcism

The bishop of Laon ordered public exorcisms in the cathedral. These became spectacles attended by thousands, including Protestant leaders invited to witness the defeat of their faith.

During the exorcisms, the demons allegedly confessed that Protestantism was false, that the Catholic Eucharist was truly Christ’s body, and that purgatory was real. Each theological point was dramatically confirmed.

Propaganda Purpose

The exorcism served clear political ends. At a time of religious civil war, it demonstrated Catholic truth and Protestant error. Protestant leaders who attended were placed in an impossible position.

Assessment

Modern scholars view Nicole Aubrey’s possession as a performance serving Counter-Reformation propaganda. Whether she was genuinely afflicted, deliberately performing, or manipulated by clergy remains unclear. The case demonstrates how possession was used for political purposes.