Amanda Knox recalls her unlikely friendship with a priest while behind bars
Amanda Knox, the woman who made global headlines after being wrongfully accused of murder in Italy, has recently released a new book titled “Free: My Search for Meaning.” In this book, Knox recounts her struggles of reintegrating into society after spending nearly four years in an Italian prison. One of the key figures in her story is a Catholic priest named Don Saulo, who became her best friend and source of hope during her darkest days behind bars.
Knox, who identifies as an atheist, initially had reservations about befriending a priest. However, Saulo’s kindness and willingness to engage with her on a philosophical level helped shift her perspective from despair to hope. He saw her humanity and genuinely wanted to spend time with her, providing a sense of family and support when her own family couldn’t be physically present.
During her time in prison, Knox found solace in music. Saulo, who overheard her singing one day, offered her the opportunity to play the guitar during mass and even taught her to play the piano. He also shared his knowledge of Latin phrases with her, knowing her love for languages.
Despite the challenges she faced in prison, including violence from other inmates and harassment from male guards, Knox found comfort and strength in her friendship with Saulo. She described how he never judged her or told her who she was, even as the world labeled her a monster.
After being exonerated of the murder of her roommate Meredith Kercher in 2015, Knox has dedicated her life to advocating for the wrongly convicted. She serves as a board member of The Innocence Center, a nonprofit law firm dedicated to freeing innocent people from prison. Knox also hosts a podcast with her husband, discussing how high-profile cases impact the loved ones of those involved.
In her new book, Knox reflects on the lessons she learned from Saulo and how his teachings of compassion, empathy, and acceptance have shaped her worldview. Despite remaining an atheist, Knox values the wisdom in the teachings of Jesus that Saulo shared with her. She believes that true compassion is not reserved for only the good and kind, but for all people, regardless of their past.
Through her experiences and the guidance of Don Saulo, Amanda Knox has found a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to helping others who have faced similar injustices. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and the resilience of the human spirit.
