First thing you would do. First thing i would do. Definitely not what everyone would do. Certainly not a priest looking to protect the church instead of the child.
I took a few years of journalism way back in the 1970’s. I can tell you that it elevates your ability to read and especially your ability to question.
I have no idea where he was at the time of the incident but he became the official exorcist in 1986. He was in the area shortly after the crime for sure. Since he had to prepare for the position he was likely there before 1986. Still don’t know for sure but certainly more possible. Second point. He makes his statements about the crime. Did he say he was not involved? we don’t know either way if he was or was not. His statement could well be a confession. We simply don’t know.
He is 85 and knows he may not have much time left so yes if true it is very much a confession. Of what though? Like you asked what he involved or just guilty of having the knowledge all these years.