Exorcism is a formal, usually religious, ceremony that is aimed at the removal of evil spirits or demons that are believed to inhabit an individual or a setting such as a house or other structure. Most commonly associated with Catholicism, this ritual is performed by specially trained priests. It is usually the final stage in the attempted removal of evil forces following the failure of less drastic options such as blessings and cleansings. Other Christian denominations and pagan traditions also practice exorcism with their own forms of tradition and ritual.