In 1676, Sister Maria Crocifissa della Concezione, a nun from a Sicilian convent, was found with ink-stained hands and a mysterious letter written in an unknown script. She claimed the devil dictated it, attempting to lead her astray. For centuries, the meaning remained elusive until researchers used modern software to decode the symbols, which combined Greek, Latin, Runic, and Arabic elements. By analyzing patterns, they successfully translated the message, revealing phrases like “God thinks he can free mortals” and references to the River Styx, suggesting deep theological doubt.
Daniele Abate, a researcher involved in the project, suggested that Sister Maria had a strong grasp of languages and may have created her own coded system. He believes the letter reflects psychological distress, as historical accounts mention her nightly struggles against demonic visions. The letter’s content, which challenges religious beliefs, may indicate inner turmoil rather than genuine possession.