Pope Francis today offered his prayers and solidarity to the family of a girl from the Vatican who disappeared 40 years ago, in one of Italy's oldest unsolved mysteries. Emanuela Orlandi, who was 15 years old and the daughter of a Vatican employee, did not return home on June 22, 1983, after attending a music lesson in central Rome. The case has gained global attention again after Netflix released the series "Vatican Girl" late last year.
In a statement marking the 40th anniversary of her disappearance, the Pope expressed his desire to once again show his solidarity with her family, especially her mother. He delivered his message to a crowd in St. Peter's Square, where Emanuela's brother, Pietro, was among those present, having long urged the Vatican to shed light on her case. Pietro Orlandi stood with a group of supporters holding signs and images calling for "truth" and "justice." A number of theories have emerged regarding the girl's disappearance, including suggestions that it was linked to a conspiracy to assassinate the late Pope John Paul II.
