Fr Lombardi Sj Issues Note on Disappearance Case

Vatican Radio
April 14, 2012

http://www.oecumene.radiovaticana.org/en1/Articolo.asp?c=579897


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.