News / People
Priest Sentenced to 14 years for Death of Nun in Exorcism
A 31-year-old Romanian priest was sentenced to 14 years in prison for leading an exorcism that caused a 23-year-old nun to die.
Daniel Petru Corogeanu believed Irina Cornici to be possessed by devils and in an attempt to drive the spirits from the nun he starved the woman and chained her to a cross in a secluded convent in Romania.
The exorcism, performed in 2005, led to Cornici’s death.
Corogeanu was convicted of manslaughter while four nuns who took part in the ritual were also sentenced to jail terms. Nicoleta Arcalianu was handed an eight-year sentence while Adina Cepraga, Elena Otel and Simona Bardana were each given a five-year sentence.
The Orthodox Church expressed outrage at the act and banned Corogeanu from the priesthood while excommunicating the nuns.
Speaking after the sentencing Corogeanu said “We will appeal and hope that it will succeed. We didn't expect this sentence, but this is the judge's decision. We will pray to God for help.”
