Director of The Exorcist says he filmed a real-life exorcism

May 20, 2016

The director of the film The Exorcist says that he has observed and filmed a real exorcism, at the invitation of the Vatican. The Vatican denies that claim.

William Friedkin, speaking at the Cannes Film Festival, said that he was asked to witness an exorcism earlier this month. "I don't think I will ever be the same, having seen this astonishing thing," he said. 

A Vatican spokesman said that Friedkin may have filmed an exorcism ritual, but he did not have a formal invitation from the Vatican to do so. 

 

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Further information:

• ‘Exorcist’ director William Friedkin says Vatican invited him to document the real thing (Washington Post)