Exorcisms are experiencing a boom in popularity across several European countries. But with religious belief declining across the developed world, what is driving the demand for one of the Christian faith's most controversial practices?
France leads the way when it comes to the renewed interest in exorcism. In Ile-de-France, the region around Paris, the number of exorcism requests has remained relatively steady in recent years at around 2,500 per year. However, the Church now acts on around 50 of those reports of demonic possession, compared to an average of 15 a decade ago.
And what of those who aren't among the the 50 cases identified as a genuine demonic possession? Private exorcism services in the country are also booming, The Economist reports.
A French priest has a simple explanation for the apparent rise in possessions, telling expat magazine The Connexion that exorcisms were on the rise "because France is less religious, leaving people vulnerable to diabolical attacks".
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https://www.sott.net/article/369218-Exorcists-are-back-in-business-in-Europe