In the aftermath of the Edict of Amboise, tensions between Catholics and Huguenots remained high in France, including in the city of Laon, which lay in the domain of the Prince of Conde, a Protestant.
In November 1565, Nicole Obry, a resident of Vervins, became so sick she was unable to eat, and claimed to be possessed by an evil spirit that she thought was the ghost of her deceased grandfather.
Her family obtained the services of a Dominican priest, Pierre de la Motte, who attempted to exorcise the young woman.
After daily processions to the cathedral, on 8 February, the "miracle of Laon" occurred when the bishop held up the Holy Eucharist, and drove the remaining demons from Obry's body.
For Protestants, the event was believed to be a hoax, and Louis, the Prince of Conde imprisoned Obry until he was ordered to free her by Charles IX.