This Day in History: , Pope John Paul II Is Shot.
May 13, 1981.
Mehmet Ali Agca shot
Pope John Paul several times
in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City.
Agca was a Turkish terrorist
and fugitive wanted for the
murder of a journalist.
The Pontiff was rushed to
the hospital and survived
the attack, asking for Catholics
to pray for the would-be assassin.
In a trial considered extraordinary
because of its short length, Agca
was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.
In 1983, Pope John Paul visited
Agca in prison and publicly
forgave him for the shooting.
In 2000, the Pope requested a
pardon for Agca, which was
granted. Agca was released
from prison.
14 years later, Argca returned to
Rome to lay white roses
on John Paul's tomb