The Exorcisms of Emma

In the most remarkable true exorcism case in American history, a woman claiming demonic possession inspires a quest to find evil incarnate. Archival records unlock the story for the first time.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

The following story has been reported based on the firsthand accounts of those involved. Highly detailed notes on this case have been stored in a seminary library for many years and sealed with this message: “These are not to be published through the press or from the pulpit.” The editorial team of Truly*Adventurous has reviewed these records, but we are among the few who ever have.

July 17, 1931

It was early morning in Vatican City. Most people were asleep, including the pope himself, Pius XI. But his stone-faced Papal Secretary of State never slept, or so it seemed as he tackled the papers at his desk at 2 a.m. It was a fraught time to head up Vatican affairs, and the stress took its toll. Pamphlets had circulated the last few days accusing the pope of being an anti- Fascist agitator and calling for his arrest. “Down with the pope!” was the slogan of the day. The Vatican bureaucrat was pulling an all-nighter to deal with the fallout. That’s when a deafening roar sent him flying…