After the release of a Netflix documentary, The Vatican reopened the Orlandi case, a 1983 disappearance case that has been gripping Italy for four decades. Read to know more about the incident.
What is the Orlandi case all about?
The Vatican reopened the probe into the missing case of Emanuela Orlandi. The investigation was reopened by Alessandro Diddi, following several requests from Emanuela’s brother, Pietro who has been campaigning to discover the truth behind the murder. Diddi is the Vatican’s promoter of justice. “All files, documents, reports, information and testimonies” connected to the care are going to be re-examined for clarifying any array of questions remaining as per Diddi. He promised to “leave no stone unturned”.
15-year-old Emanuela disappeared suddenly on June 22, 1983, while returning from flute lessons. To date, the case has been triggering several theories. Some believe she was kidnapped by a gang to blackmail the authorities into releasing Mehmet Ali Agca. Agca was jailed in 1981 for attempting to kill Pope John Paul II. (https://editorialrm.com) As per a Guardian report, concrete answers were unanswered. However, Laura Sgro, the Orlandi’s family lawyer revealed they are happy with the reopening of the investigation. The family found out about the reopening of the case through the media and were hoping to get concrete answers.
More on the missing person issue
The reopened investigation will be focusing on 15-year-old Mirella Gregori. Gregori disappeared weeks before Orlandi after telling her mom she was going on a date. The inquiry is following a few months after the release of Vatican Girl, a Netflix documentary surrounding the case. As per a recent claim, Emanuela’s childhood friend interviewed in the Vatican Girl revealed the teenager was molested by “‘someone close to the pope, who was John Paul II”.
However, as per another theory, she was taken to London. She is said to have lived there for a few years in a Hostel and the Vatican was funding her stay and expenses. Additionally, as per this theory, Orlandi later died in London and her body was sent back to be buried. In 2019, based on the theory, two tombs were reopened. However, no remains were discovered.