Raised in a monastery in the “era of free-thinking,” Taksil “fully understood what the papal faith is built on,” and soon he began publishing expose works. However, having suddenly repented, the “prodigal son” turned into a zealous Catholic and directed his rage against Freemasonry. Only after twelve years of skilful mystification did Leo Taxil publicly reveal his deception, which had been necessary for him to denounce the clergy. A grand scandal erupted, and the writer condemned to anathema continued his anti-religious struggle.