Loudun Possession Hysteria (1632)

In 1632, nuns at a convent in Loudun, France, accused their parish priest, Urban Grandier, of ordering demons to possess them, claiming it was for his advances. The ensuing sensational exorcisms and trials attracted thousands, including King Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu, leading to Grandier's fiery execution in 1634. However, the possessions were later revealed as a calculated plot by Grandier's enemies, including rival priests and nuns seeking personal gain, and the supposed demonic influence persisted until 1637, turning into a circus attraction.