The Director of the Holy See’s Press Office, Federico Lombardi SJ issued a Note written
in Italian on Saturday responding to the reprisal of interest in a nearly three decade-old
missing persons case involving a citizen of Vatican City State, Emanuela Orlandi,
who was 15 years old at the time of her disappearance.
After a thorough presentation
of the known facts in the case, including a detailed description of Vatican officials’
co-operation with investigators from the Italian civil authorities, Fr Lombardi repeats
that there are no secrets hidden in the Vatican. He goes on to stress that Vatican
officials are ready and willing to continue co-operating with investigators, whenever
they might be asked.
Fr Lombardi also recalls the great personal care and attention
of Blessed John Paul II to the case and to the family of the victim – including his
numerous public appeals in her behalf and his visit to the family’s home to console
Emanuela’s parents and four siblings.
In conclusion, Fr Lombardi suggests that
the return of the case to the public eye be a chance, not to repeat idle speculation,
but rather to recognize the terrible plight of all those affected by the disappearance
of persons – especially children and young people – as well as an opportunity to renew
our commitment to fighting against the criminal elements so often responsible for
this terrible reality.