The Internet and media has been abuzz with claims that Pope Francis performed an exorcism on camera in St Peter's Square on Sunday.
In the video, the pontiff appeared to put his hand on the head of a young man in a wheelchair before reciting a prayer or incantation.
The young man whose face is pixelled out appeared to gasp, while the pope's expression became more serious.
He has claimed that he believes in the existence of the devil, describing Satan as "The Enemy".
However, The Vatican has denied that an exorcism was performed.
Watch the original footage from La Repubblica TV and judge for yourself.
Whether that was an attempted exorcism or just a prayer, it begs the question: what does a traditional exorcism look like?
In the Catholic Church an exorcism is sacramental and is considered to be an incredibly dangerous act, which would make it unlikely that Pope Francis would choose to attempt an "expulsion of the Devil" in full public view.
The ritual involves prayers, blessings and invocations with the use of a text called Of Exorcisms and Certain Supplications.
Traditionally, exorcists have tended to use a number of symbols, gestures and objects while carrying out a practice which has fallen out of fashion with improvements in medical science and general public knowledge.
However, the use of symbols and gestures have also fallen by the wayside as Church research believes that they have no power. Instead the faith of the exorcist is all-important, with priests and high clergy granted the right to carry out the practice according to Canon Law.
However, a thorough examination needs to take place before an exorcism can be granted in case the "possessed" person actually has a mental illness rather than contamination by the devil. In modern times, exorcisms are rarely permitted by clergy for that exact reason.
These are some of the common "symptoms" if someone believes they are possessed:
- Lack of appetite
- Speaking a foreign language which you have no knowledge of
- Cutting and biting your skin
- Changes in your voice
- Entering into a frenzy or rage
- Violent reaction when handed a religious object
- Antipathy for churches and Jesus Christ
The ritual itself can take days or even months to complete if it is not successful at first.
