Pope Exorcism

Recently, there has been a commotion in the media regarding Pope Francis and his blessing on an obviously disabled man.

As Pope Francis laid his hands on the man, the man seemed to grunt or show facial expressions that seemed to show frustration or agitation.  Immediately, those in the media began to claim that Pope Francis conducted an exorcism.

Exorcisms have been the talk of Hollywood and the media for some time now.  With the many movies produced on the subject, they seem to find its supernatural element fascinating.  However, the case with Pope Francis was not an exorcism.  He was merely praying over a man who was presented to him.

I am not a doctor, but from seeing the man on the video and from my studies in Biology and Psychology, I believe the man has cerebral palsy.  Cerebral palsy is a condition that can take many forms.  Involuntary movements can be part of cerebral palsy.  This kind of cerebral palsy is called Athetoid Palsy.
From the video I saw and from personal experience knowing parishioners with this condition, it is obvious that this man has athetoid cerebral palsy.

This was not an exorcism done by Pope Francis, nor was the man possessed.  Before the Church conducts and exorcism, an extensive investigation is done to rule out psychological disorders.  Moreover, the Church does this rite privately, so any public display of it would be out of the question.

The media is so desperate to print a story that they will do it even if no research is done.  This is disturbing indeed.

Source:

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/05/22/vatican-denies-that-pope-francis-performed-exorcism/?test=latestnews