I’m guessing since he’s a Jesuit he went to America to tell his side of the story, or they reached out to him, and he figured they would be most sympathetic to his point of view. I’m no fan of America Magazine and their output of late has been very questionable, even for them, but I wouldn’t begrudge him his choice.
I will say that if he is telling the truth that I feel really bad for him. Getting taken in like this would be a horrible experience for a priest and it will stick with him for the rest of his life, I am sure. Maybe this can be a lesson and a warning for future priests to inquire a little more in situations like this, especially when there are unusual circumstances (i.e., a professional photographer being in attendance), and especially in states and jurisdictions where assisted suicide is legal.
My main concern is not so much with this specific situation, but rather with the example it sets for the rest of the Church and its faithful. It’s one thing to put out press releases and statements urging against assisted suicide, but when you act like it’s business as usual when someone goes through with it and treat him just like anyone else with a public funeral, it sends the message that the Church is not really sincere in its belief. Actions should have consequences, not just in the next life, but on earth as well, otherwise people will never take the Church seriously in anything it does. It’s no different than raising a child. If you don’t ever discipline him when he disobeys you, then he will never listen to what you say.