The Italian Senate has voted overwhelmingly to launch a comprehensive inquiry into the 1983 disappearance of Orlandi, who lived in Vatican City, and Mirella Gregori, another teen who vanished in Rome around the same time.
Emanuela Orlandi, the daughter of a Vatican City official, disappeared on June 22, 1983, after leaving for a music lesson in Rome. Her case, shrouded in speculation and mystery, has captivated Italy for decades. The Senate’s inquiry, allocated a budget of 50,000 euros annually, aims to delve into the depths of this 40-year-old case, leveraging full investigative powers.
Interestingly, this parliamentary commission is not the only investigative effort. A separate Vatican investigation commenced in January, with findings shared with Rome prosecutors. Vatican City’s chief prosecutor Alessandro Diddi has been involved in gathering evidence and conducting interviews, indicating the Vatican’s cooperation in this renewed search for answers.
The public interest in Orlandi’s case was reignited following the Netflix documentary “Vatican Girl: The Disappearance of Emanuela Orlandi”, which presented various unproven theories about her disappearance. Pietro Orlandi, Emanuela’s brother, expressed hope in the commission, stating, “I am convinced that we will get to the truth, it cannot be hidden forever.”
The inquiry will also explore the disappearance of Mirella Gregori, who vanished under mysterious circumstances 40 days before Orlandi. Despite the lack of direct connection to the Vatican, Gregori’s case has been intertwined with Orlandi’s, fueled by claims from alleged kidnappers in 1983.
This new inquiry represents a significant step in resolving a mystery that has long intrigued and baffled Italy, with 40 commissioners expected to be appointed by the year’s end.
Photo credit: PD via Flickr
