Pope Francis expressed his prayers and support for the family of a Vatican schoolgirl who vanished 40 years ago, in a case that has remained a mystery in Italy.
The recent release of the Netflix series “Vatican Girl” has reignited global interest in the case
Emanuela Orlandi, the 15-year-old daughter of a Vatican usher, disappeared on June 22, 1983, after attending a music lesson in central Rome. During his Angelus message in St Peter’s Square, Pope Francis directly addressed the crowd, including Pietro Orlandi, the brother of Emanuela, who has been advocating for the Vatican to uncover the truth about his sister’s disappearance. Holding up photographs and banners demanding “truth” and “justice,” Orlandi regarded the Pope’s statements as a positive and encouraging step forward.
The Orlandi case has long been suspected of foul play, prompting both Vatican and Italian investigators to reopen their investigations this year, with hopes of finding new leads. Various theories surrounding Emanuela’s disappearance have circulated over the years, ranging from possible connections to a plot to assassinate Pope John Paul II, to allegations of kidnapping by criminal organizations in Rome, and even claims of her being a victim of a pedophile group within the Church.
Pietro Orlandi shared an audio tape on Italian television featuring an alleged gangster who claimed that girls were brought into the Vatican for abuse and that Pope John Paul II was aware of these activities
In response, Pope Francis denounced the allegations as baseless and offensive.
As the 40th anniversary of Emanuela Orlandi’s disappearance approached, Pope Francis used the occasion to extend his solidarity to her family, particularly her mother, while offering his prayers for resolution and justice in the enduring mystery surrounding the Vatican Girl.
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