Raised in a monastery in the “era of free thinking,” Taxil “fully understood what the papal faith is based on,” and soon began publishing exposés. However, having suddenly repented, the “prodigal son” turned into a zealous Catholic and directed his anger against Freemasonry. Only twelve years later, through skillful hoaxing, Leo Taxil publicly revealed his deception—which had been necessary for him to denounce the clergy. A grand scandal erupted, and the writer cursed by church anathema continued his anti-religious struggle.