After the Angelus, Pope Francis expressed his closeness to the family of Emanuela Orlandi—the daughter of a Vatican employee—on the 40th anniversary her disappearance.
POPE FRANCIS
These days mark the 40th anniversary of the disappearance of Emanuela Orlandi. I would like to express, once again, my closeness to the family members, especially to her mother, and assure them of my prayers. I keep in mind all families who bear the pain of a departed loved one.
Emanuela's brother, Pietro Orlandi, was present in St. Peter's Square. He has been searching for her for the past four decades.
PIETRO ORLANDI
Emanuela's Brother
I was expecting these words because Pope Francis opened an investigation into the case a few months ago, meaning he wants to uncover what happened.
Pope Francis asked the Vatican prosecutor to gather as much information as possible about Emanuela's disappearance.
LAURA SGRÒ
Counsel for the Orlandi family
The Pope wanted this investigation to be opened in January. Today, he expressed his solidarity and closeness to the family on the 40th anniversary of her disappearance. The hope is that the Pope's words will put an end to the controversies here and together we can search for Emanuela.
Pietro Orlandi also called for an investigation into Pope John Paul II and his staff, which many interpreted as an accusation against him.
Emanuela disappeared in 1983. She lived with her family in the Vatican. Although the Italian authorities have carried out several investigations, none of them have revealed what happened to Emanuela.
JRB/CA
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